SECTOR NEWS
Former Virginia governor requests additional funding for HBCU’s
In a letter addressed to Gov. Ralph Northam, the Lt. Governor and several members of the General Assembly, former Governor Doug Wilder asked state leaders to provide more in funding for historically Black colleges and universities.
His request started with $50 million in federal dollars for each of Virginia’s four public and private HBCU’s. (WTVR)
City of Tuscaloosa joins HBCU co-op program
The Tuscaloosa City Council voted on Tuesday, June 8 to participate in a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Co-Op Program in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA).
“We are excited to work with the Governor’s office to launch the HBCU Co-Op Program in our city,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. “HBCUs are an integral part of Tuscaloosa’s history and I know this program will have a positive impact on workforce development in our community.” (City of Tuscaloosa)
The private sector is taking the lead on enabling digital inclusion. Here’s how.
With that in mind, improving the technology infrastructure at public schools, community colleges and historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and creating a gateway toward digital jobs is critical. Additionally, recent Department of Education guidance requires all colleges and universities, including HBCUs, to fulfill cybersecurity requirements and protect personally identifiable information.
Failing to do so risks the potential loss of Title IV (needs-based) funding. The Student Freedom Initiative estimates that Title IV funding makes up more than 60% of the operational budget of HBCUs, and the loss of this funding could amount to as much as $100 million per year for a mid-sized school. Many HBCUs can neither afford compliance nor can they withstand the consequences of noncompliance, making tech modernization an imperative not just to student success but also to HBCU longevity. (World Economic Forum)
Voorhees changing from college to university
Voorhees College announced Wednesday that it plans to change its name to Voorhees University next April, during its 125th Anniversary Founder’s Week.
Voorhees’ trustees approved the action at their annual spring meeting.
Upon approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Voorhees will soon be offering its first master’s degree program. Graduate students will be able to earn a master of education in improvement science. (Times and Democrat)
INDUSTRY NEWS
Is earnings-based funding the future of higher education (Real Clear Education)
Western Michigan gets $550M gift from anonymous alumni (ABC News)
Public colleges and universities under fire for promoting controversial education loans (Washington Post)
Supreme Court may consider Harvard case on race in college admissions (Boston Globe)
