Florida HBCUs get millions from feds

COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS

Florida’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – are slated to receive approximately $12.8 million of a $227.9 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education this week, which continues grant-making to HBCUs that started under the George W. Bush administration.

Ninety-seven HBCUs in 19 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be able to strengthen their academic resources, financial management systems, endowment-building capacity, and physical plants as a result, according to a press release from USDOE.

FAMU received $6,596,639 – the largest single amount of any HBCU in the country.

Bethune-Cookman University received $2,926,836; Florida Memorial University $2,025,731; and Edward Waters College, $1,297,176.

Every school that was funded received a minimum of $250,000.

Multiple uses
The five-year grants – known as Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities – will include activities such as curriculum reform; counseling and student service programs; establishing teacher education programs designed to qualify students to teach; acquiring real-estate property in connection with construction, renovations, or additions that may improve campus facilities; and funding faculty and staff development.

In addition, funds may be used for the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment and the development of academic instruction in disciplines in which African-Americans are underrepresented.

‘Staggering contributions’
“HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “The grants will help these important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality education they need to compete in the global economy.”

USDOE’s Office of Postsecondary Education administers the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant. For additional information on the grant program, including a list of previous grants, log on to http://www2.ed.gov/programs/iduestitle3b/index.html.

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