The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through HBCUs
Since the first HBCU in 1837, over 100 black colleges and universities have developed and flourished across America. Many HBCU graduates have successful careers while giving back to the next generations to help them thrive. Unfortunately, despite HBCUs’ efforts to provide high-quality education to its students, they are often overlooked by funding opportunities to help students excel. The White House has established an initiative to eliminate barriers that obstruct HBCUs from facilitating exceptional education to their students.
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities will “work closely with the Executive Office of the President on key Administration priorities related to advancing educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity through HBCUs, in partnership with HBCU leaders, representatives, students, and alumni.” The executive order for the initiative was signed by President Biden back on October 19, 2021. The initiative can be broken down into three primary areas of focus: Policy, Projects, and Programs.
Policy: Includes executive/legislative, private partnerships, and advocacy.
Programs: Involves the National HBCU Week Conference, HBCU Competitiveness Scholars Recognition Program, and Federal Interagency Workgroup
Projects: Includes state/regional convenings, listening sessions, and technical assistance
One of the main components of the initiative is the National HBCU Week Conference, which is an annual week-long event highlighting the successes of HBCUs across the nation while also hosting discussions on innovation. “It provides a forum to exchange information and share innovations among and between institutions. Stakeholders provide an overview of successful engagements that if replicated could improve instruction, degree completion and understanding of federal policies that shape and support higher education.”
The 2022 National HBCU Week Conference dates have yet to be announced.