WASHINGTON, DC (May 2, 2019) – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) greatly appreciates and fully supports U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-AL) and Tim Scott (R-SC) and U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC) and Mark Walker (R-NC) introducing the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. If passed, this law will extend, for an additional two years, the mandatory portion of Title III funding (Title III, Part F), currently set to expire on September 30, 2019. TMCF is pleased to have played a critical role in identifying and helping to secure the additional two years of funding for these mandatory Title III dollars.
“Alabama is home to fourteen outstanding HBCUs that serve as a gateway to the middle class for many first-generation, low-income, and minority Americans. Our HBCUs have continued to achieve remarkable accomplishments despite many facing financial challenges. The FUTURE Act will help ensure these historic schools and all minority-serving institutions continue to provide excellent education opportunities for their students,” said Senator Doug Jones (D-AL).
“Working collaboratively with HBCU organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we are finding more ways to make the dream of college a reality for those who wish to pursue their education. The eight HBCU’s in South Carolina have made a significant impact in our communities, creating endless opportunities which translates to over $5 billion in lifetime earnings for their graduates. The FUTURE Act will not only strengthen these institutions but create opportunity for their neighbors to prosper,” said Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).
Title III funds help eligible Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. Impacted MSIs include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs), and Native American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs).
TMCF President & CEO Harry L. Williams said, “One of our main legislative priorities for 2019 was finding a bipartisan funding solution preventing these mandatory Title III dollars from expiring in September. We are grateful to our advocates in the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus for once-again stepping up and demonstrating their commitment to HBCUs and students. TMCF is committed to continuing to work with our allies in the caucus to ensure that this critical bill becomes law.”
Under the FUTURE Act, HBCUs will continue to receive $85 million in mandatory funding, based on existing formula funding, and PBIs will continue to be eligible for a competitive grant program funded at $15 million, with each school eligible for grants up to $600,000. TMCF represents the 47 publicly-supported HBCUs and PBIs.
“MSIs educate more than one-quarter of all undergraduate students in America but have historically been at a disadvantage when it comes to federal resources. As a two-time HBCU graduate and former HBCU professor, I know firsthand how valuable HBCUs and all Minority-Serving Institutions are. That’s why I founded the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, and why this legislation is so important,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC). “By ensuring we are funding HBCUs and other MSIs, we are allowing these vital institutions to continue their work in providing opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
“I am thankful for the leadership and collaboration of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund on the FUTURE Act and expanding opportunities for HBCU students,” said Congressman Mark Walker (R-NC). “When we create paths for students to be more innovative and engaged, we keep colleges and universities on the path to success, creating a more promising future for all.”
TMCF encourages both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass this important bipartisan bill and urges President Trump to sign this critical piece of legislation, once passed, for all of our nation’s MSI’s into law.
Note: Harry L. Williams, TMCF president & CEO is available for further comments.
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.
TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: tmcf.org.