Biden Announces $1.3 Billion for HBCUs

President Biden announced an additional $1.3 billion in federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, bringing the total investment to over $17 billion during his administration. This funding includes $188 million in competitive grants and $1.1 billion in direct support for students through need-based programs. Biden emphasized the importance of HBCUs in fostering Black excellence and their significant contributions, producing a substantial percentage of Black graduates in the U.S. He noted that HBCUs, despite being only 3% of U.S. institutions, account for higher enrollment of Pell Grant recipients compared to non-HBCUs. The administration's efforts aim to enhance the research capacity and infrastructure of these institutions, which traditionally face underfunding challenges. Biden's commitment to HBCUs aligns with his broader educational and economic policies, as he highlighted the need for an inclusive educational system to strengthen the economy.