FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2020) – Thurgood Marshall College Fund applauds the United States Senate for passing the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students Act (HBCU PARTNERS Act) again, by unanimous consent.
The HBCU PARTNERS Act, which has been a top legislative priority of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), requires agencies who closely work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop plans for increasing engagement with these critical institutions and gives Congress oversight responsibility to make sure those plans are being honored. The bill will now head to President Trump’s desk for signature.
“Both Houses of Congress have now stated clearly that our federal agencies should, and after the HBCU PARTNERS Act receives the President’s signature, will be required to be intentional about working with and investing in HBCUs,” said TMCF President and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “Increased support from diverse pools of resources from across the federal government is critical to both expanding the capacity of our institutions and opportunities for our students. Congress acting to pass this legislation is truly a consequential event for the entire HBCU community.”
“Our HBCUs have unlocked opportunities for generations of students, especially in underserved communities, and I am excited that this bipartisan bill is making its way to the President’s desk,” said Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) “The HBCU PARTNERS Act is a great step forward for these schools and their students. I am grateful for the instrumental role that the Thurgood Marshall College Fund played in developing this legislation and helping to move it across the finish line. I look forward to this critical legislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies.”
“HBCUs play a critical role in helping to ensure that every American has access to higher education, and I’m so proud that our bipartisan bill to support the missions of HBCUs is one step closer to becoming law,” said bill co-sponsor Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). “I am grateful for the partnership of TMCF and the entire community for their advocacy in getting this important bill across the finish line.”
We look forward to President Trump reaffirming his commitment to HBCUs by signing the HBCU PARTNERS Act without delay.
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND
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: www.tmcf.org.
Media Contact:
tmcfpress@tmcf.org
