WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Congress works to trim $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit over the next decade, HBCUs must step up efforts to share their stories of success, compete with other universities, and be prepared to present hardcore data on their progress.
Those were just a few of the suggestions made during an HBCU Week 2011 breakout session titled “Title III: Are Educational Discretionary Programs at Risk?”
“We are truly in a budget battleground,” said Edith L. Bartley, director of governmental affairs at the Fairfax, Va.-based United Negro College Fund Inc. (UNCF).
Bartley presented data that showed Title III Part B, Strengthening HBCUs Program funding in 2011, which has reached its lowest level in several years, at $237 million -$30 million less than the year before and lower than the $238 million that it was in 2005 through 2008.
The situation is so dire that UNCF, along with the National Association for Equality Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), an umbrella organization for the nation’s HBCUs, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund have all agreed to make Title III funding a priority this year, Bartley said.
Bartley urged conference attendees to remain in the nation’s capital over the next few days to attend the Congressional Black Caucus meeting or to at least make it a point to get some face time with lawmakers soon in order to influence the Super Committee that is charged with reducing the federal deficit over the next decade. Its first set of recommendations must be made in November, Bartley said.
“Don’t wait until it’s time for a budget to be voted on,” Bartley said. “Develop a relationship with your state representatives, federal representatives.
