Cory Booker Speaks On $100 Billion Plan To Benefit HBCUs

In an effort to continue the support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), revealed a plan to do just that. According to The Hill, Booker shared on Tuesday (Dec. 3) a $100 billion investment agenda that’ll focus its funds on the education departments in the form of grants, revamp infrastructure, and stand at the forefront of pushing policies that’ll combat climate change.

“I am here today because of the power of these institutions to uplift and bring about opportunity to Black Americans,” Booker said. “As president, I will redouble our efforts to support and invest in HBCUs across the country—my mother and father wouldn’t have it any other way.” His parents attended Fisk University and North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

Part of the proposal also aims to bolster HBCUs’ Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs and support the Debt-Free College Act. The legislation has the potential to allow students at HBCUs, MSIs (minority-serving institutions), or public colleges to receive a higher education debt-free through public funding.

Another point of the plan aims to “provide $30 billion in grants to upgrade infrastructure, including facilities and technology, at HBCUs and MSIs to ensure all students have access to a world-class education in world-class facilities.”