Sens. Scott, Coons Introduce Bill to Support Education Excellence at HBCUs
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the HBCU Caucus, today introduced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for HBCU Excellence Act, legislation designed to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through investments in infrastructure, research, technology, and workforce development.
The legislation establishes a competitive federal grant program within the Department of Education to support modernization efforts at HBCUs nationwide.
“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Sen. Scott. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.”
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Sen. Coons. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.”
The House companion legislation will be led by HBCU Co-Chairs Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12) and French Hill (R-Ark.-02).
“For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,”said Rep. Adams. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners.”
“Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities,” said Rep. Hill. “I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done.”
The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act is supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Office of Management and Budget.
South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers said, “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act represents an important investment in the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the students we serve. For South Carolina State University, modern facilities, technology, and research capacity are critical to preparing students for success in today’s workforce and economy. We appreciate Senator Scott’s support of efforts that help strengthen HBCUs and expand opportunities for our students and communities.”
“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them,” said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax. “For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.
“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially,” Lomax continued. “We—at UNCF—view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time. When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress. We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America’s future.”
“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions,” said Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. We thank Sen. Scott, Sen. Coons, Rep. Hill and Rep. Adams of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.”
Background
The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act would:
- Establish a competitive federal grant program to fund long-term infrastructure improvements at HBCUs.
- Prioritize funding for institutions with the greatest financial need, aging or unsafe facilities, limited fundraising capacity, and high enrollment of low-income students.
- Allow grant funding to be used for:
- Construction, modernization, repair, and deferred maintenance of campus facilities
- Campus safety improvements
- Creation of AI Workforce Development Hubs to prepare students for high-demand careers.
- Provide technical assistance to help HBCUs apply for and manage federal grants.
- Ensure accountability through federal reporting, evaluation, and oversight requirements.
- Provide capital financing relief to institutions left out of prior federal assistance programs.
Full text of the bill can be found here.
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