Bill Overview
Title: IGNITE HBCU, TCU, 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 and administration at HBCUs, TCUs, and Minority-Serving Institutions
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The bill targets HBCUs, graduate programs at HBCUs, and other MSIs, which exist in multiple countries, but are most prominently located in the United States.
- HBCUs and TCUs are unique to the United States, suggesting that the primary global impact is within U.S. borders.
- Although MSIs can apply to institutions outside the U.S., the specific definition in this legislation likely targets those within the United States.
Reasoning
- The targeted institutions, such as HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, often face challenges in accessing funds for capital improvements. This bill directly provides resources that can improve campus infrastructure, which may lead to enhanced student and community experiences.
- The policy's budget constraints suggest that not all needs at HBCUs and MSIs will be met, thus the impact will vary based on prioritization at each institution.
- The impact of improved facilities potentially affects student retention and attraction, subsequently influencing the wellbeing of both current and prospective students, faculty, and staff.
- The focus on veteran-owned small businesses for contracts reflects a dual goal of economic empowerment within the policy, albeit potentially limited by geographic and demographic variables of where these businesses are located.
- The policy may have an indirect effect on local communities as campuses develop better facilities, safety, and infrastructure, fostering community engagement and associated economic activities.
Simulated Interviews
Professor at an HBCU (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could significantly improve our campus facilities, likely making it a better environment for both students and faculty.
- I hope the updated facilities will lead to an increase in student engagement and academic performance.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Undergraduate student at an HBCU (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An improvement in our dorms and libraries could boost our campus life, making us more competitive with non-HBCU peers.
- I am hopeful for better facilities that could enhance our learning experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Small business owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m looking forward to the contracting opportunities this policy might bring to veteran-owned businesses like mine.
- Working with educational institutions can boost my business's profile and sustainability.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate student at an MSI (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved campus facilities could mean better equipment and labs for my research.
- I hope the policy also accounts for sustainable building practices reflective of our field of study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Community activist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems promising for educational equity if effectively implemented at local MSIs.
- Facilities improvements are crucial, but I’m concerned about equitable distribution of funds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
First-year student at an HBCU (Durham, NC)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New buildings and resources could enhance my experience, making me more excited about my college choice.
- I hope this helps in getting new lab equipment for my science courses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Administrator at a TCU (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant could ease our funding shortages, potentially allowing us to finally complete much-needed renovations.
- I'm optimistic but anxious about how fund distribution will impact our projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired educator (Montgomery, AL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m pleased to see efforts to support institutions that have given so much to the African-American community.
- As an alumnus, I hope this leads to lasting improvements and draws more students to HBCUs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public policy expert (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive step, but there needs to be rigorous oversight to ensure these grants are used effectively.
- The prioritization of projects is crucial to maximize impact across underfunded schools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Economist (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is potentially transformative within its budgetary constraints, but its long-term success hinges on strategic implementation.
- Regular evaluations are necessary to ensure efficient use of funds and scalable impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1700000000)
Year 2: $1400000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 3: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 5: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The impact on minority-serving institutions may vary significantly based on their current state and their capacity to apply for and utilize the grants effectively.
- Simultaneous construction activities could potentially lead to localized labor shortages, driving up costs or slowing progress.
- Long-term educational outcomes associated with improved facilities can bolster economic growth indirectly but are challenging to quantify within the bill's direct impacts.