WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus announced that Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Representative Alma Adams (D-NC), and Representative French Hill (R-AR) will serve as Co-Chairs of the Caucus for the 117th Congress.
“We relaunched the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus two years ago to find new ways to support institutions like Delaware State University which continue to expand the opportunity of higher education to more students,” said Sen. Coons. “In that time, the caucus’ efforts have helped bring renewed focus to HBCUs: securing permanent federal funding for HBCUs and MSIs, launching new ROTC programs for aspiring pilots, and most recently, passing the HBCU Partners Act to deepen the federal government’s collaboration with these critical engines for equity. Delaware is home to one of the top HBCUs in the country, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that DSU has on our state and on the city of Dover. That’s why I’m proud to lead this caucus with my colleagues and to continue championing priorities of HBCUs and MSIs in the halls of Congress.”
“As the first Senate co-chair of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus, I can assure Americans that our work in advancing the cause of HBCUs is just beginning,” said Sen. Scott. “Much has been done since the early days of the HBCU Caucus and all our tireless advocacy has not been in vain. We’ve secured historic and permanent funding for HBCUs, hosted university presidents in Washington —for the first time in history—to hear from them directly, and worked to cultivate private/public partnerships between HBCUs and American industries. I look forward to working with colleagues in both chambers, and on both sides of the aisle, to continue building on the good work we’ve accomplished to strengthen HBCUs across the country.”
“Once again, I am proud to lead the Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus,”
said Rep. Adams. “Now entering its seventh year, the HBCU Caucus will continue to advance equity in higher education with a renewed commitment to giving these schools the support and resources they need. I am honored to be joined by my House co-chair, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), as well as my House Vice-Chairs Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Michael Turner (OH-10), Senate co-chairs, Sens. Tim Scott and Chris Coons, and the nearly 100 Members of Congress who have joined the Caucus for the 117
th Congress. They know HBCUs are agents of access and inclusion in our society, and together we will ensure a bright future for these exceptional institutions.”
“For thousands of students in Arkansas and across the country, HBCUs like our own Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offer essential tools to help students pursue their own American Dream. As we start the 117th Congress, my colleagues and I seek to address the unique challenges that HBCUs face and expand opportunity for all HBCU students,”
said Rep. Hill. “As Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus, I look forward to working with Senator Coons, Senator Scott, and Representative Adams to reach across the aisle and the Capitol to start a national dialogue about how to bolster our HBCUs – be it legislation or engaging with our businesses large and small to increase career opportunities.”
