The United States Senate passed the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.). The bill, previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, is now headed to the president’s desk for a signature. If signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country’s more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the President’s 2017 executive order on HBCUs. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions’ priorities and policy concerns to be raised.

“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. “The HBCU PARTNERS Act is a great step forward for these schools and their students. I look forward to this critical legislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies.” 

“HBCUs like Delaware State University 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 Senator Coons. “We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and HBCUs are an important part of that work,” said Senator Chris Coons.  

The HBCU PARTNERS Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), David Perdue (R-GA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Mark Walker (NC-06) and Alma Adams (NC-12).

“Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America’s HBCUs is essential for Congress’ shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina’s HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw – proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support,” Walker said. “With this bipartisan legislation passed through Congress and on its way to the president’s desk, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation’s commitment to these vital educational institutions.”

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are agents of access and equity in this country,  said Congresswoman Adams. “The HBCU PARTNERS Act recognizes these contributions in the most important way possible: by affording these institutions the ongoing support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work. This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate, on an annual basis, their efforts to strategically engage with and invest in HBCUs. In addition, it codifies the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed. Advancing the mission of HBCUs and the success of the communities they serve must be on the minds of our country’s leaders, and more importantly, it must be part of their agendas.”

“Thank you to my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their support, as well as all of the organizations that are tireless advocates for HBCUs, in getting this bill passed,” Adams concluded.