Statement

This National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we celebrate the enduring legacy and transformative influence of America’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Since the first HBCU opened in 1837, these institutions have nurtured generations of leaders, innovators, and public servants, providing a foundation of academic achievement and cultural pride for communities all across our Nation.

During my first term in office, I signed into law the FUTURE Act, securing $255 million in permanent annual funding for HBCUs. I increased funding for Federal Pell Grants and authorized more than $100 million for scholarships and research at HBCU land-grant institutions. I also signed into law the HBCU PARTNERS Act to increase affordability and help more students attend HBCUs.

Now, as the 47th President of the United States, I am building off of these historic successes. In April, I signed an Executive Order to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs by establishing a White House Initiative on HBCUs and creating the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education. These initiatives are delivering a great education to HBCU students, bolstering partnerships between the public and private sectors, and promoting workforce preparation in fast-growing industries.

This week, we honor the history of HBCUs and the dedicated faculty and families who have sustained them through generations. Their legacy of dignity, discipline, and achievement continues to strengthen the American workforce and way of life. We will never waver in our efforts to advance opportunity for every American student and strengthen our Nation by cultivating leaders of character, integrity, and merit.