The initiative will focus on developing private-sector partnerships, supporting institutional development, and preparing students for high-growth industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.
It is unclear who will lead the initiative.
“The Initiative will work to address barriers to HBCUs receiving certain Federal and state grant dollars and to improve their competitiveness for R&D funding,” said a White House spokesperson.
The order also establishes the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education, comprising leaders from various sectors including philanthropy, education, business, and current HBCU presidents.
Dr. Marybeth Gasman, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, offered measured support for the initiative.
