Presidential Message on National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2026

For nearly two centuries, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have opened doors of opportunity, cultivated excellence, and prepared generations of hardworking black Americans to become leaders in every field of national life. During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we honor that legacy and the enduring contributions of these storied institutions to our communities, our culture, and our country.

Today, HBCUs are thriving as never before, home to nearly 300,000 students and producing the doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, and military officers who are lifting America to even greater heights. Throughout my first Administration, I took historic action to strengthen this legacy, expanding opportunity for HBCUs and their students. I was proud to sign the FUTURE Act into law, guaranteeing a permanent stream of investment in HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions; expand funding for scholarships and research; provide hundreds of millions of dollars in disaster relief to damaged campuses; and sign the HBCU PARTNERS Act to deepen cooperation between these institutions, the Federal Government, and the private sector. Together, these actions gave HBCUs greater stability, more resources, and new avenues to educate and prepare the next generation of American leaders.

Since returning to office, I have continued building on that record. In April 2025, I signed an Executive Order reestablishing the White House Initiative on HBCUs with a renewed focus on research, innovation, campus modernization, private-sector partnerships, and preparing students for careers in our Nation's fastest-growing industries. Last year, my Administration also increased Department of Education support for HBCUs by nearly 50 percent, bringing total funding to more than $1.3 billion for fiscal year 2025. Under my leadership, we will continue to honor the proud history of our country's HBCUs and ensure they remain strong and capable to educate the next generation of black Americans.

This week, we celebrate the students, faculty, alumni, and communities whose dedication has sustained HBCUs from their founding to this very day. These great American institutions demonstrate what is possible when talent is met with opportunity, hard work is rewarded, and excellence is expected. As we reflect on their remarkable history, my Administration remains committed to ensuring that HBCUs continue empowering Americans to develop their God-given talents, pursue the American Dream, and lead our Nation toward an even stronger, more prosperous, and more glorious future.