How HBCUs Can Get Federal Sponsorship from the United States Department of Education (Editor’s Commentary)

Abstract

"Ensuring that every student-from the wealthiest to the poorest and historically underserved-has access to a high-quality education is what our work is all about.... We aren't just talking the talk; we are awarding millions of dollars in grants to help institutions better serve minority students through variousprograms and services."-U.S. Secretary of Education Ame DuncanIntroductionEducational inequities that exist for African Americans underscore the need for education research programs and advocacy at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Department of Education (ED) accounts for more revenue to HBCUs than any other federal agency-totaling more than $4.7 billion in 2013. ED is a multifaceted agency, and revenue to HBCUs comes from ED in many forms. The bulk of the funding is awarded to students to attend HBCUs in the form of grants and loans for qualifying students. ED also offers noncompetitive grants to HBCUs through the "Strengthening HBCUs program." Also known as "Title III," these noncompetitive awards, which are aimed at building the capacity of HBCUs, account for approximately $300 million of the revenue that ED awards to HBCUs.Any given year, HBCUs collectively receive between $600-$750 million from ED through grants and contracts. Because of the nature and purpose of many of the grant programs, HBCUs have been uniquely suited to receive funding from ED. The White House Initiative on HBCUs (WHIHBCUs) believes that increasing revenue to HBCUs from federal grants and contracts is vital to the long term sustainability of these institutions. By developing innovative proposals, working with HBCU liaisons at federal agencies and taking advantage of federal funding opportunities, HBCUs can increase the resources necessary to initiate and sustain vital programs.The U.S. Department of Education OverviewED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. This agency was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:* Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing, as well as, monitoring those funds;* Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research;* Focusing national attention on key educational issues; and* Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.For fiscal year (FY) 2016, President Obama requested $70.7 billion for ED; an increase of approximately $3.6 billion, or a 5.4 percent, in ED's discretionary funding from the previous year. ED's FY 2016 request budget targets four key areas (a) increasing equity and opportunity for all students; (b) expanding high-quality early learning programs; (c) supporting teachers and school leaders; and (d) improving access, affordability, and student outcomes in postsecondary education.According to the ED's budget proposal, improving college access and completion is an economic necessity and a moral imperative. Reclaiming the top spot in college completion is essential for maximizing both individual opportunity and our economic prosperity.White House Initiative on HBCUs' Liaison to the U.S. Department of EducationA liaison between the White House Initiative on HBCUs (WHIHBCUs) and ED works with the WHIHBCUs to organize efforts to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs through increased participation in appropriate federal programs and initiatives.Specifically, the HBCU liaison at ED helps the WHIHBCUs to:* Establish how the department or agency intends to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements and to encourage HBCUs to participate in federal programs;* Identify federal programs and initiatives in which HBCUs may be either underserved or underused as national resources, and improve HBCUs' participation therein; and* Encourage public-sector, private-sector, and community involvement with improving the overall capacity of HBCUs. …