Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are vital components of our post-secondary education system. HBCUs were originally tasked with the sole responsibility of providing higher education to Black men and women when similar institutions refused. Many doctors, lawyers, and notable figures in American history attended HBCUs. It is critical that HBCUs’ historical and educational value continue to be protected by Congress.
Just this session, Congressman Clyburn introduced H.R. 870 to reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Preservation program. This legislation would provide $10 million annually for seven years to ensure the preservation of HBCUs across the nation. Mr. Clyburn is proud to have bi-partisan support on this issue; Senators Harris and Graham introduced an identical bill in the Senate. H.R. 870 ensures the protection of the great legacy of HBCUs for years to come.
Congressman Clyburn is a longtime supporter of historic preservation. His legislation created the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, elevated the Congaree National Monument to a National Park, and established the Reconstruction Era National Park in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn applauds the Speaker of the House officially signing The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, making it the law of the land. The enactment of the FUTURE Act permanently reauthorizes crucial mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and all Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) with $255 million a year in funding, which has been a top priority for the Congressional Black Caucus.
“HBCUs and MSIs have been historically challenged by underfunding and the uncertainty of the discretionary appropriations process. I want to thank the Senate for making this a permanent authorization, removing this uncertainty. That’s why this bill is a top priority, because it provides these vital institutions with much needed stability and certainty,” said Majority Whip James Clyburn. “As an HBCU graduate, I’ve benefited personally from the exceptional value and educational preparation that these institutions provide. HBCUs have made and continue to make tremendous contributions to our society and their graduates have helped shape the course of our nation’s history.”
South Carolina’s eight HBCUs will receive nearly $5 million annually in funding as a result of the FUTURE Act.
| Institution | Location | Annual Appropriation |
|---|---|---|
| ALLEN UNIVERSITY | Columbia, SC | $500,000 |
| BENEDICT COLLEGE | Columbia, SC | $909,272 |
| CLAFIN UNIVERSITY | Orangeburg, SC | $788,702 |
| CLINTON COLLEGE | Rock Hill, SC | $250,000 |
| DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE | Denmark, SC | $500,000 |
| MORRIS COLLEGE | Sumter, SC | $500,000 |
| SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | Orangeburg, SC | $952,537 |
| VOORHEES COLLEGE | Denmark, SC | $500,000 |
| TOTAL | $4,900,511.00 |
HBCUs contribute $15 billion to the national economy annually and these schools consistently provide pathways of opportunity for millions of Americans, many of whom are first generation college students. The FUTURE Act is intended to prepare HBCU students for careers in STEM – at a time when diverse representation is low in the STEM economy.
The FUTURE Act also simplifies the FAFSA by eliminating up to 22 questions. By simplifying the burdensome FAFSA form, this bill removes a significant barrier for students who need financial assistance in order to afford college.