UNCF Praises House and Senate for Joint Bicameral, Bipartisan Introduction of the FUTURE Act

Ensures Funding to Increase STEM HBCU Graduates

 

Today, Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) and Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) introduced a joint bicameral, bipartisan bill known as the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. This piece of legislation was introduced to extend the much-needed mandatory funding in Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act of 1965 until Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

“Extending the mandatory funding for HBCUs and MSIs has been a top priority for UNCF, especially in the 116th Congress,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “To have a bill that is both bicameral and bipartisan shows a true commitment in both chambers of Congress that these funds are vital for the success of our institutions in delivering services to our students and for our students in their pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees. We greatly appreciate such strong support to ensure HBCUs and MSIs continue their viability—they are a needed, high-achieving component of our national higher education system.”

“Alabama is home to 14 outstanding HBCUs that serve as a gateway to the middle class for many first-generation, low-income and minority Americans. Our HBCUs have continued to achieve remarkable accomplishments despite many facing financial challenges. The FUTURE Act will help ensure these historic schools and all minority-serving institutions continue to provide excellent education opportunities for their students.”—Statement courtesy of Sen. Jones

“We all have a role to play in making the dream of college a reality for those who wish to pursue their education. The eight HBCU’s in South Carolina have made a significant impact in our communities, creating thousands of jobs which translates to over $5 billion in lifetime earnings for their graduates. The FUTURE Act will not only strengthen these institutions, but create opportunity for their neighbors to prosper.”—Statement courtesy of Sen. Scott

“MSIs educate more than one-quarter of all undergraduate students in America but have historically been at a disadvantage when it comes to federal resources. As a two-time HBCU graduate and former HBCU professor, I know firsthand how valuable HBCUs and all minority-serving institutions are. That’s why I founded the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, and why this legislation is so important. By ensuring we are funding HBCUs and other MSIs, we are allowing these vital institutions to continue their work in providing opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”—Statement courtesy of Rep. Adams

“HBCUs are an integral part of America’s higher education system and have had a profound impact on North Carolina, including my own family, opening the door to my wife Kelly’s success as a nurse practitioner. I am proud to help lead this effort and continue building on our success advocating for minority-serving institutions by expanding our commitment to HBCUs and the nearly 300,000 students they serve. When we create paths for students to be more innovative and engaged, we keep colleges and universities on the path to success, creating a more promising future for all.”—Statement courtesy of Rep. Walker

Title III, Part F, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions program is a critical federal effort that provides funds that supplement institutional aid to HBCUs with a priority on instructional programs in high-demand fields, including STEM, other computer-related sciences, nursing and allied health. These mandatory funds were originally established by the College Cost and Reduction Act for the years of 2008-2009, retained in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, and then extended until 2019 in the Health Care Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010. The HBCU and MSI funding is currently set to expire in FY 2019.

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About UNCF
UNCF (the 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, supports and 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 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF 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 over 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 updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.