Bill Overview
Title: IGNITE HBCU and MSI Excellence Act
Description: This bill establishes a grant program to support long-term improvements of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), graduate programs at HBCUs, and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to HBCUs and MSIs to improve campus facilities. A recipient must use grant funds for certain activities, such as constructing or renovating facilities, carrying out major repairs, and strengthening the safety and security of a campus. Any new construction, modernization, or renovation projects must meet building code and energy and water conservation requirements. Further, HBCUs and MSIs must seek to procure contracts from certain small businesses, including those owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans. The bill prohibits the use of grant funds for specified activities, including for the payment of routine and predictable maintenance costs, minor repairs, and utility bills. The Government Accountability Office must study the implementation of the grant program. The bill also requires ED to repay the outstanding balance of principal, interest, fees, and costs and any related reimbursements for certain capital financing loans.
Sponsors: Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
Target Audience
Population: Students, faculty, and staff at HBCUs and MSIs worldwide
Estimated Size: 1000000
- HBCUs and MSIs provide educational opportunities to historically underserved populations, including African American, Hispanic, and Native American communities.
- There are around 101 HBCUs in the United States.
- Other MSIs, including Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal colleges, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions number over 600 collectively.
- These institutions play a critical role in educating a large number of minority students who are part of the wider population.
- Infrastructure improvements can positively affect students, faculty, and administration at these institutions.
- Indirectly, better infrastructure and facilities at HBCUs and MSIs can lead to positive outcomes for the communities they serve, including better education outcomes and community services.
Reasoning
- The policy targets HBCUs and MSIs, which serve a population of around 700,000 students, plus faculty and staff that amount to approximately 1,000,000 people directly impacted.
- Considering the budget limitations, the policy will have varying impacts on individuals, with most benefiting students, faculty and staff directly engaged with these institutions.
- The grants aim at improving the infrastructure of these institutions, which indirectly boosts the educational experience and safety of the students, potentially improving their wellbeing.
- The policy's restriction against covering minor maintenance limits its immediate effect on the operational budget needs of the institutions, but its long-term infrastructural benefits may have significant positive outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
College Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This grant could really help improve our campus facilities, especially the old labs and classrooms.
- I'm excited about the possibility of modernized buildings and better technologies, which could enhance our learning environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
HBCU Faculty Member (Durham, NC)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is essential for improving the learning resources available to us.
- Increased funding for infrastructural improvements could make a substantial difference in our programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Administrator (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would support major campus improvements, making it a more conducive environment for learning and student activities.
- However, we have to ensure the grants are used effectively to see significant changes quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Repair Technician (Tuskegee, AL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy helps with major repairs, it doesn't cover the routine maintenance which is equally important for functionality.
- I'm concerned about the long-term upkeep of these new investments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a step in the right direction for educational equity.
- I'm pleased to see the focus on infrastructure, which is foundational for quality education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Upgraded infrastructure can affect our campus life positively, including safety and access.
- This grant makes us hopeful for a safer and more resourceful campus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
HBCU President (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The IGNITE Act provides essential funding that could transform many campuses.
- Ensuring these funds are used effectively will require strategic planning and accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Undergraduate Student (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved facilities might enhance our learning experience greatly.
- I'm particularly looking forward to energy-efficient buildings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Researcher at MSI (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Investments in infrastructure are crucial for supporting our students.
- This could improve attendance rates and academic performance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Community Leader (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I appreciate the policy, there must be oversight to ensure funds improve areas that most impact student success.
- It's a good start, but consistency and follow-up are necessary.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 3: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- The scale and scope of infrastructure improvements needed at HBCUs and MSIs will significantly influence cost.
- Acknowledging the need for compliance with energy and water conservation increases complexity and cost.
- Engagement in contracts with specific small businesses could redistribute economic benefits among veteran-owned enterprises.
- Repayment of capital financing loans will increase initial costs but reduce long-term financial liabilities of institutions.