RELEASE: REPS. HILL, ADAMS, TURNER, SEWELL, MCCORMICK, FIGURES INTRODUCE IGNITE HBCU EXCELLENCE ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) introduced H.R. 8791, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, following years of bipartisan work to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities. The legislation is co-led by HBCU Caucus Vice Chairs Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), and Caucus Members Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL).

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation, IGNITE (I nstitutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education) Act, would direct the Department of Education to award competitive grants to historically Black colleges and universities for the renovation, repair, and construction of campus facilities, including classrooms, research labs, student housing, and broadband infrastructure, while expanding research capacity, developing workforce skills, building entrepreneurial capacity, and advancing AI education for generations to come.

The companion Senate legislation is led by HBCU Caucus co-chairs Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE).

Read the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act one-pager.

You can watch the full press conference HERE.

Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, alongside HBCU presidents, at the press conference announcing the introduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 14, 2026. You can watch the full press conference HERE.

Congressman French Hill said, "Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities. I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done."

"For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions," said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus. "The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today's higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners."

"HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy," said Senator Tim Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. "I'm proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come."

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters," said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. "Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first-generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation."

Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) said, "Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University and Wilberforce University, both here in Ohio's 10th congressional district, have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and helped prepare the workforce that strengthens our economy, our research enterprise, and our national competitiveness. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a bipartisan effort to strengthen HBCUs, expand opportunity, and ensure students have the learning environments they need to succeed."

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) said, "As Vice Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am proud to support the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. Alabama is home to some of the finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, institutions that have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, educators, and changemakers. Despite their extraordinary impact, our HBCUs have endured decades of systemic underfunding. This bill represents a transformational investment in the future of HBCUs by modernizing campus facilities, expanding access to technology, preserving historic buildings, and ensuring students have access to the world-class learning environments they deserve."

Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) said, "This legislation is an important step in assuring that students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have access to the best and most modern facilities possible. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation, which will help HBCUs across Georgia make critical investments in their students and cover much-needed maintenance costs."

Congresswoman Shomari C. Figures (D-AL) said, "Despite being historically underfunded and facing severe infrastructure needs, HBCUs have contributed significantly to our nation's workforce and success. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation helps get HBCUs the investments they need to update their facilities and to thrive, and will be especially impactful in Alabama, which has the most HBCUs in the country."

What Others Are Saying about the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a longstanding legacy of preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and impact across every sector of our society. The IGNITE our HBCU Excellence Act reflects an important recognition of the value these institutions bring to our nation's educational landscape and workforce development efforts. At Philander Smith University, we believe investments that strengthen student success, institutional capacity, and innovation create lasting benefits not only for HBCUs, but for the communities and industries we serve. We are encouraged by efforts that support excellence and expand opportunity for current and future generations of students."
- Dr. Maurice D. Gipson, President, Philander Smith University

"The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act represents a critical investment in the future of historically Black colleges and universities and the students and communities we serve. Strengthening research capacity and modernizing infrastructure at HBCUs is essential to advancing workforce development, innovation, economic mobility, and the long-term competitiveness of our nation. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their leadership and continued commitment to expanding opportunities for HBCUs across the country." Chancellor Graham
- Dr. Anthony Graham, Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

"For Shorter College, this moment is both timely and consequential. We serve students whose aspirations are often greater than the resources available to them, students seeking access, advancement, and in many cases, a second chance. That is why the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act matters. It recognizes that HBCUs must have the infrastructure, technology, and institutional capacity to meet the needs of today's students and prepare them for the demands of tomorrow's workforce. For Shorter College, this investment would strengthen our ability to modernize learning environments, expand workforce-aligned programs, and create meaningful pathways for students who are determined to build a different future. As a private, two-year HBCU, Shorter College opens doors where barriers have too often existed. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the HBCU Caucus for advancing legislation that understands a fundamental truth: when HBCUs are strengthened, communities are strengthened, families are strengthened, and possibilities are expanded for generations to come."
- Dr Jeffery Norfleet, President, Shorter College

"Long before French Hill was elected to Congress, he was a huge supporter of HBCUs in Arkansas. Consequently, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at providing federal funding for infrastructure, technology, and facility modernization, is a game-changer to empower both students and the communities where our institutions reside. We are grateful for the support of Representatives Hill and Adams...they are committed to the sustainability of HBCUs, which are also educating the leaders for our country."
- Bill Walker, President, Arkansas Baptist College

"The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions. In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation's global competitiveness. We thank Rep. Hill, Rep Adams, Sen. Scott and Sen. Coons of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year."
- Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

"The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them. For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.

"The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially. We-at UNCF-view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time. When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress. We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America's future."
- Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF

"Entergy applauds Representatives Hill and Adams for reintroducing the IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act. This important piece of legislation encourages public-private partnerships that will strengthen HBCUs in Arkansas, across the Gulf South region, and nationwide. It would also expand access to capital for campus infrastructure improvements and help build needed STEM and AI talent pipelines. This bill will be an essential tool to help Entergy and other businesses develop our workforce of the future."
- John Hudson, Entergy Chief External Affairs Officer and President, Entergy Charitable Foundation

Goldman Sachs, Entergy, Century Foundation, Capital One, HomeFree-Usa, Farm Credit Council, Vanguard, LendingTree, TIAA, American Honda Motor Company, Center for Community Self-Help, and the International Franchise Association (IFA) have endorsed the bill.

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