Trump signs executive order focused on HBCUs
The order says it aims to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Wednesday.
The order says it aims to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs, by establishing a White House initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to provide high-quality education and prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance. It also creates a board of advisers on HBCUs which will report to the president and guide federal policy and foster new partnerships. The order calls to make the board up of leaders from education, business, philanthropy and current HBCU presidents.
However, the executive order stops short of committing new federal funding. Previous Trump-era initiatives, including the FUTURE Act, secured permanent annual funding for HBCUs during his first term.
Here’s what HBCUs in the D.C. area have said about the executive order:
“The White House Executive Order to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continues a national commitment to and reaffirms the enduring value and essential contributions of these institutions to our nation’s educational, economic, and cultural landscape.
The Executive Order, which returns the White House Initiative on HBCUs to the Executive Office of the President, is essential to the continued elevation of HBCUs as anchors of academic excellence, and engines of social mobility, innovation, and leadership development. The Order also directs federal agencies, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations to work collaboratively in support of HBCUs.
At Howard, we know the transformative power of these partnerships. Our students, researchers, and faculty are at the leading edge of fields like artificial intelligence, quantum systems, the arts, and neuromedicine. To invest in HBCUs is to invest in the future of American innovation. Reports by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) have consistently demonstrated the transformative impact of HBCUs which generate $16.5 billion in total economic impact annually, and support more than 136,000 jobs across the country.
The full and focused implementation of the President’s executive order will build on this legacy by ensuring that HBCUs are equipped to thrive in the 21st century. From enhancing institutional infrastructure and fiscal sustainability to expanding research capabilities and fostering public-private partnerships, this executive order has the potential to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to prepare the next generation of innovators, public servants, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
This order also centers student success-supporting affordability, retention, and career readiness-while forging stronger pipelines from K-12 education to college graduation, and ultimately greater economic mobility. According to the UNCF the 51,269 HBCU graduates in 2021 can expect total earnings of $146 Billion-that’s 57% more than they could expect to earn without their college credentials.
HBCUs are national treasures and have always believed in the promise and power of every student. For nearly two centuries, Howard and the collective of HBCUs have cultivated talent, unlocked opportunity, and contributed mightily to every sector of American life. This Executive Order affirms the vital and visionary necessity of our work. We look forward to working with the Administration and public, private, and academic sector partners to realize the full potential of this order.”
“Morgan State University acknowledges the President’s Executive Order reaffirming support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and welcomes any action that seeks to strengthen the capacity of our institutions to educate, innovate, and lead. The continued prioritization of HBCUs within the federal landscape — particularly through expanded access to funding, research opportunities, and public-private partnerships — is a promising step forward. We remain committed to working collaboratively with national leadership to ensure these efforts translate into tangible, lasting impact for our students, campuses, and communities.”
“We are grateful for the recent Executive Order by the White House recognizing the excellence of our nation’s more than 100 HBCUs. For 160 years, Bowie State University has fueled the economic engine of our community, and with provisions like the HBCU Partners Act, this order will help Bowie State expand innovation and research that strengthens both the workforce and our region.”
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