According the Higher Education Act of 1965, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are defined as,
“…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be
a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress towards accreditation.”
Today, there are over 100 thriving HBCUs. Within the United States, HBCUs have educated: 40% of Black members of Congress, 12.5% of Black CEO’s, 40% of Black Engineers, 50% of Black professors at non-HBCUs, 50% of Black lawyers, 80% of Black judges. (source) HBCUs historically enroll low-income, first generation, and academically unprepared college students. Studies have shown that, upon completion, HBCU alumni are thriving in their lives after college. (source)
Even with the many successes, HBCUs continue to struggle financially. Although states are expected to match federal funding given to all colleges and universities, in 2013 it was found that most states failed to to do so when it came to HBCUs. Instead, they provided additional funding to predominately white institutions. (source) For HBCUs, a lack of funding means a strain on resources; because of the strain, student funding is cut and less financial aid is available. “Support Our HBCUs” was created to abate a portion of a student’s financial need.
“Support Our HBCUs” serves to acknowledge, recognize, and support the efforts and contributions of HBCUs. Our primary goal is to provide a scholarship for a deserving HBCU student. When you purchase a shirt, you are supporting HBCUs generally, and supporting an HBCU student specifically. A little goes a long way - the less a student has to worry about financing school, the more he or she can focus on studying and developing life skills.
