UNCF Applauds Passage of House Bill Reauthorizing $10M Annually for HBCU Historic Preservation

Media Contact:
Ashlei Stevens
UNCF Communications
astevens@uncf.org

 

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today applauds the House for unanimously passing H.R. 295, a bill that would reauthorize $10 million annually through 2023 for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Historic Preservation Program. We appreciate Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC), a proud HBCU alumnus, for his steadfast leadership in shepherding this important bill across the finish line. HBCUs are national treasures and today’s vote puts us one step closer to securing the needed resources to support the restoration of more than 700 historic buildings on HBCU campuses.

HBCU historic preservation was a signature UNCF initiative from 1995 through 1999, when UNCF partnered with the National Park Service to support the rehabilitation of historic structures on ten HBCU campuses. Historic preservation remains a UNCF priority today as several HBCUs this year are celebrating or approaching 150 years of existence.

“HBCUs have a significant place in American history and provide incredible value and values to minority and low-income students, and to the communities in which they reside,” said Cheryl Smith, UNCF Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs. “The HBCU Historic Preservation Program serves an essential purpose to HBCUs, which have a special place in the fabric of American history, culture and education. We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure final passage before the 114th Congress adjourns.”

For more information on the HBCU Historic Preservation Program, view UNCF’S fact sheet.

###

About UNCF

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community, and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF annually awards $100 million in scholarships and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.^®” Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCF.