The Department of Education has announced the upcoming National HBCU Week Conference, which will be organized by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The conference, set to take place soon, aims to bring together federal agencies, private sector companies, and philanthropic organizations to discuss ways to improve HBCUs. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and other senior administration officials are expected to deliver remarks during the event.
Secretary Cardona highlighted the importance of supporting HBCUs in today's climate, where principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in higher education are being challenged. He praised HBCUs for their history of producing exceptional graduates across various fields.
The announcement comes as Secretary Cardona visits Harris-Stowe State University in Missouri as part of the Department of Education's "Back to School Bus Tour." This visit aims to showcase the Biden-Harris administration's unparalleled support for HBCUs and their students, with over $7.3 billion invested directly in HBCUs to date.
During the conference, various federal departments, including Justice, Commerce, Energy, Defense, and State, will hold sessions on topics such as leveraging state policy to harness the power of HBCUs and increasing their impact.
In addition to the conference, the Biden-Harris administration is also announcing its 12th Project SERV grant. Dillard University, an HBCU in New Orleans, will receive over $287,000 to address recent bomb threats. The funds will be used to hire mental health counselors and provide teletherapy services for a year to support the university community. Training programs for faculty, students, and staff will also be implemented to help them cope with and recover from the trauma caused by the incidents.
Overall, the National HBCU Week Conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and take concrete actions to further support HBCUs. The conference will provide a platform to share successful models for enhancing instruction, increasing degree completion rates, and promoting federal engagement in these institutions.
