FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC (January 29, 2021) – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) congratulates and extends its sincere thanks to Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) for chairing the Bi-Partisan HBCU Caucus for the 117th Congress.
Accomplishments of the HBCU Caucus in the 116th Congress included the passing of the FUTURE Act which guaranteed $85 million in mandatory, annual funding for HBCUs; the HBCU PARTNERS Act, which requires federal agencies to develop plans to engage with HBCUS in a more intentional and comprehensive way; an overall increase in Title III funding for HBCUs and over $2 billion in total COVID-19-related funding for HBCUs.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. French Hill as the newest Co-Chairs of the Bi-Partisan HBCU Caucus,” said TMCF President and CEO Harry L. Williams. “The demonstrated success of the HBCU Caucus, thanks in large part to the advocacy of returning Co-Chairs Rep. Alma Adams and Senator Tim Scott, are proof positive of the bipartisan and bicameral support for our institutions on Capitol Hill. We look forward to building upon our substantial recent success and continuing to uplift our invaluable institutions and their students.”
The HBCU Caucus was founded in 2015 by Rep. Alma Adams and former Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL). The purpose of the Caucus is to promote and protect the interests of HBCUs. Together, Members of Congress who have joined the Caucus, work to create a national dialogue, educating other Members of Congress and their staffs about the issues impacting HBCUs. The Caucus also works to draft and advocate for meaningful bipartisan legislation to address the needs of HBCUs, and to support students and graduates of HBCUs by increasing access and career opportunities.
There are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States that enroll more than 300,000 students annually. HBCUs represent 3 percent of colleges and universities, yet graduate 20 percent of African Americans with undergraduate degrees – and 25 percent of African Americans with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
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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
