HBCU Leaders Champion Bipartisan Bill to Bridge STEM Research Funding Gap

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 30, 2026 – Leaders from the nation's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) convened in the capital for a pivotal event that culminated in a significant legislative push to address long-standing inequities in federal research funding. During the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's (TMCF) annual Presidents & Chancellors Fly-In, a bipartisan bill was introduced that promises to transform how these vital institutions access opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The event, which connects leaders from HBCUs, historically Black community colleges (HBCCs), and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) with top government and corporate officials, served as a powerful platform for advocacy. This year, the focus sharpened on tangible policy changes, with discussions also spanning artificial intelligence, workforce development, and institutional leadership.

A Legislative Push for Research Equity

The centerpiece of the Fly-In was the introduction of the bipartisan HBCU Research Capacity Act by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Katie Britt (R-AL) during a roundtable with over 30 HBCU presidents. The proposed legislation directly targets a glaring disparity: while HBCUs produce nearly a quarter of all Black STEM graduates, they collectively receive less than one percent of the billions allocated annually for federal research and development.

The bill aims to dismantle barriers by mandating the creation of a centralized federal website, or clearinghouse. This online portal would compile and streamline information on all HBCU-eligible STEM research and development funding opportunities from agencies across the government, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Commerce, as well as NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Department of Education would be tasked with coordinating this effort, providing regular updates to participating institutions and sharing best practices for building research capacity.

“The Fly-In is so impactful for the leaders of our campuses in that it forges and reinforces connections that can help solve short- and long-term challenges they face,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF. The introduction of the bill during the event was a moment of particular significance. “I’m proud and honored this historic moment occurred with us during the Fly-In,” Dr. Williams stated. “Together, we are ensuring that HBCUs aren't just part of the conversation—they are leading it.”

The Broader Funding and Policy Landscape

The push for the HBCU Research Capacity Act comes amid a complex federal funding environment. For fiscal year 2025, the Department of Education is set to provide over $1.38 billion to HBCUs, a 48% increase over the previous year's allocation. This follows several years of heightened attention, including the 2025 signing of an executive order to “Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” and the permanent authorization of over $255 million in annual funding through the FUTURE Act.

Despite these positive steps, systemic challenges persist. The funding increases, while substantial, are often measured against decades of underfunding and structural disadvantages. Public HBCUs face an average of over $60 million each in deferred maintenance costs for their campuses. Furthermore, these institutions operate with smaller endowments compared to their predominantly white counterparts while serving a disproportionately high number of low-income and first-generation students. Data shows that 71% of HBCU students are Pell Grant-eligible, nearly double the national average of 36%. This context underscores why direct, simplified access to competitive research grants is not just a matter of equity, but a critical component for institutional sustainability and national competitiveness.

Preparing for the Future: AI and Workforce Development

Beyond legislative advocacy, the Fly-In agenda addressed the technological frontier, with a dedicated panel on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the future workforce. The discussion highlighted how HBCUs are proactively integrating AI into their academic programs to ensure their graduates are prepared for a rapidly changing job market.

Recent studies, including a 2025 collaborative report by Ellucian and UNCF, show remarkably high engagement with AI tools among HBCU students (98%) and faculty (96%). These institutions are not just teaching AI skills but are also uniquely positioned to lead conversations on AI ethics and bias, ensuring that new technologies are developed and deployed equitably. Strategic partnerships with technology firms are seen as crucial for providing students with hands-on experience and internship opportunities. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of AI integration, concerns over data privacy, and the need for specialized training to bridge the institutional readiness gap for faculty and staff.

Strengthening Leadership from Within

Complementing the external focus on policy and funding, the event also turned inward to examine the foundations of institutional success. The Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, TMCF's research arm, released a new report titled “Stewarding the Legacy: A National Strategy for Building Resilient HBCU Presidential Leadership.”

The report, which surveyed sitting HBCU presidents, delves into the competencies, support systems, and structural conditions that correlate with longer, more effective presidential tenures. According to the press release, its findings challenge conventional wisdom about what makes an HBCU president successful, offering a new framework for developing and sustaining strong leadership within the Black college community. This focus on internal capacity-building is a critical piece of the puzzle, ensuring that as external opportunities expand, institutions are prepared to leverage them effectively.

The Fly-In concluded with a reception at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, but the work continues. As Dr. Williams noted, “When we gather as leaders of HBCUs, great things happen. I look forward to next year when we have another opportunity to meet and continue making a significant impact.”