State's historically-black colleges receive more than $12 million

WASHINGTON, DC - Four of the state's historically-black colleges are sharing more than $12 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The grants to Coppin State University, Morgan State University, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are aimed at strengthening academic resources, management capabilities and infrastructure over the next five years.

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities play a critical role in making sure all our children have a chance to succeed," said Senator Mikulski, a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee which funds DOE. "Every child, regardless of race or family income, deserves a chance to go to college. These funds in the federal checkbook will help Maryland's four Historically Black Universities continue to provide quality education and prepare students for jobs today and jobs tomorrow. I will continue to fight for federal investments in Maryland's HBCUs and to increase opportunities for our students."

"Our state's higher education system is one of the best in the nation and Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a strong part of that success," said Senator  Ben Cardin. "Maryland's HBCUs have a strong record of academic achievement and this  grant from the U.S. Department of Education is important because it will  provide significant new  resources to further enhance academic programming and ensure  student success."

The federal grants include:

·    $3,890,115 for Morgan State University to enhance learning through tutoring & counseling programs, build an endowment, provide job-training in underrepresented disciplines, faculty development and community outreach.

·    $3,001,959 for Bowie State University to help close the achievement gap for first-generation college students, increase enrollment, and begin implementation of a strategic plan to enhance educational offerings.

·    $2,774,743 for Coppin State University to strengthen retention and graduation rates, improve academic programming, and increase minority participation in fields of science, technology, nursing, information technology, and geography.

·    $2,535,354 for University of Maryland Eastern Shore to work towards becoming a leader in Doctoral Research by building upon access to high quality values-based education, recruitment and retention, engagement in R&D, and closing the achievement gap.