A Push to Improve HBCU Infrastructure
Historically Black colleges and universities have faced underinvestment throughout their 184-year history, leading to limited new construction and facilities in need of repair and renovations
—sometimes with price tags of tens of millions of dollars. The bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus in Congress hopes to help these institutions by passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, which would provide federal support for infrastructure projects on HBCU campuses. The legislation, formally known as the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act, would establish a competitive grant program to fund upgrades to campus facilities at public and private HBCUs, new equipment for research, greater access to high-speed broadband, and preservation of historic buildings. It was introduced last week with support from both Democrats and Republicans. (
Inside Higher Ed - May 26, 2021)