FAMU has, once again, received the biggest slice of the U.S.
Department of Education (USDOE)'s Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) grant fund. The USDOE selected FAMU for a $6.5M award.
FAMU is one of 97 HBCUs that participate in the program. A
total of $227.9M was available for 2012-2013.
"HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to
American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced,"
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "The grants will help these
important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality
education they need to compete in the global economy.”
FAMU received $7.7M from the Strengthening HBCUs program in
FY 2010 and $6.5M in FY 2011. During both of those year’s FAMU's grant was the
largest.
The activities funded through the Strengthening HBCUs program will
include: curriculum reform; counseling and student
service programs; establishing teacher education programs designed to
qualify students to teach; acquiring real-estate property in connection
with construction, renovations, or additions that may improve campus
facilities; and funding faculty and staff development. In addition,
funds may be used for the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or
laboratory equipment and the development of academic instruction in
disciplines in which African Americans are underrepresented.