Southern president praises House for supporting HBCUs in 2018 budget

Southern University System President Ray L. Belton today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the 2018 budget, which includes increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

"As president of an HBCU system that serves a vast, diverse student population, I can particularly appreciate this financial package," Belton said. "I commend the members of Congress, including those who serve in the HBCU Caucus and our Louisiana delegation, for their bipartisan work to ensure that our institutions and programs are beneficial to our students and communities."  

The omnibus bill, part of the overall $1.3 trillion budget, includes: $280 million for HBCU's under Title III, a $35 million increase over last year's funding level and $30M for the HBCU Capital Finance program, which helps modernize these historic institutions, including an additional $10 million to provide relief for vulnerable institutions. Also included are $1 billion for TRIO, $60 million more than last year's level and $350 million for GEAR UP, $10 million more than last year's level. Both programs provide support services and grant funding to disadvantaged students to promote achievement in postsecondary secondary education.

"This increase in funding will allow us all to better serve our students, many of whom are first-generation college students," Belton said "Their success and ultimate contributions to this country leads to a second generation and beyond."

This boost of support for HBCUs comes a month after bipartisan support for the U.S. Department of Education’s full forgiveness of more than $300 million in hurricane relief loans provided to four HBCUS, including Southern University at New Orleans. The Southern University System institution, along with fellow New Orleans universities Dillard and Xavier, and Tugaloo College in Alabama, were affected by both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 2005.