The funding is part of $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)
Dallas, TX — U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D- Ala.) said the $1.05 billion in emergency funding to HBCUs is critically needed to help these schools and the communities in which they’re located, according to an exclusive interview with Thomas Joyner Jr., founder and host of The New HBCUbiquity Podcast, produced by the PodoTron Network.
“The goal is getting this money to these schools that need it,” Jones said. “[HBCUs] are going to get hit harder than bigger schools who can tap into their endowments, and [these funds] will be a way to help the communities they serve.”
Jones also sponsored The Future Act, passed last year, which simplifies the FAFSA form and provides funding for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or better known as FAFSA program. Every year, HBCUs receive $255 million, but this allocation was subject to review every year, Jones said. The act permanently guarantees the funding for this aid. Jones said the bill simplifies the form, eliminating about 22 questions, to make it more accessible to more families. In Alabama alone, Jones said only half of the high school seniors completed forms, leaving some unused $57 million. “This is another way to get students into HBCUs and other minority serving institutions,” Jones explained. “If they want to go to college, then a stupid government form won’t get in their way.”
Jones told Joyner that HBCUs are “amazing”.
“They are the real fabric of their communities,” Jones said. “They provide so many opportunities for those who would not have gotten those opportunities. So many doctors, lawyers, engineers and professionals who come out of HBCUs that started their education, maybe on a PELL Grant, came out of these schools.”
Jones explained that the funding provides two important things: An economic driver for the state and those communities in which they’re located because they as a tremendous source of pride. “Beyond the sporting events, there is such a deeply held feeling for these HBCUs among those who’ve graduated from there,” Jones said. “It’s given minority populations the ability to build generational wealth that they might not otherwise get. It’s just so important we continue all we can do at the federal and state level to support them. But also, to encourage kids to look at these HBCUs, to go and attend because it’s an incredible, incredible experience.”
To learn more about the interview or talk to Joyner, contact Neil Foote of Foote Communications at neil@neilfoote.com or 214-448-3765
About the New HBCUbiquity Podcast
The New HBCUbiquity Podcast, produced by Podotron, is a weekly podcast that offers in-depth, honest and straightforward conversations with administrators, faculty, students, celebrities and experts about the future of HBCUs, fundraising, accreditation, student recruitment and enrollment as well as the accomplishments of faculty who are doing interesting research, student scholars about their current accomplishments and alumni who are making a difference in their communities, and topical trends and issues related to the African-American community. You can find the podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Deezer.
About PodoTron Network
PodoTron is a podcast network that helps people who want to launch their own podcast, and become part of a community of ‘PodoTroners’ that are refining their brands by connecting through our network. PodoTron has a team of experienced producers and marketers who help take podcasts from concept to reality. Its motto is, “Everyone has a story, we help you tell it.” The show produces nearly two dozen shows, including “The New HBCUBiquity,” Business mavens, LaVida Samuels and Karen Smiths’ “Biz Besteez”, Deya Direct’s “Super PowHer,” and Martial Arts Athlete and Announcer Antonio Perkins’ “ Come On In”. Learn more at PodoTron.com.
PRESS CONTACT:
Neil Foote, Foote Communications
214-448-3765
neil@neilfoote.com