Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Spur Digital Transformation for HBCUs

In May, a team of bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology and Education for HBCU Excellence Act. Known as the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, the bill would allocate funds for HBCUs to get high-speed internet. It would also fund various campus modernization projects and research facility upgrades.

The bill received support from Rep. Alma Adams, a Democrat from North Carolina; Rep. French Hill, a Republican from Arkansas; Sen. Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina; and Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware.

In a separate proposal from President Joe Biden, HBCUs would receive another $20 billion for physical and digital infrastructure upgrades.

“HBCUs, like Delaware State University, consistently produce our next leaders, and we must ensure they have the resources to effectively attract students and continue to promote success,” Sen. Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, said in a statement. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will modernize campuses across the country — ensuring that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources to continue their transformational work."