FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2021
HACU statement on the passage of the Build Back Better Act
SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has released the following statement on the House’s passage of the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376).
The $1.75 trillion reconciliation bill provides over $21 billion for higher education. Below is a summary of relevant funding opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
- HSI STEM and Articulation Programs: $470 million, allocated each year until 2028.
- Department of Agriculture Research Funding: $1 billion for grants under the Research Facilities Act to HSIs, Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs), 1890 Institutions, 1994 Institutions, and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
- Improving Research & Development Infrastructure for MSIs: $3 billion for planning or implementation grant programs to HSIs, HBCUs, TCUs, and other MSIs.
The Build Back Better also increases the maximum amount of Pell grant to $550 and extends eligibility to DACA and Temporary Protected Status students.
“HACU commends the House for passing H.R. 5376. The increased investment in these programs shows recognition to the importance of HSIs in educating the next generation of the workforce,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “HSIs will greatly benefit from the increased focus Congress has placed on HSI STEM education and the enhancement of Pell grant opportunities for students who need financial assistance the most, including DACA and Temporary Protected Status.”
HACU encourages its members to reach out to their Senators and urge them to act swiftly to pass the Build Back Better Act.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.
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Contact:
Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia
Executive Director
of Communications and Marketing
Hispanic Association of Colleges and
Universities
Phone: (210) 576-3206 E-Mail: njgarcia@hacu.net
Christopher de Hoyos
Assistant Director of Communications and Social
Media
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Phone: (210)
576-3242 E-Mail: chris.dehoyos@hacu.net