On February 6, 2017, I had an important conversation with our UNCF Senior Vice-President for Public Policy & Government Affairs, Mrs. Cheryl Smith, regarding the President's planned agenda for Higher Education. On February 3, President Donald Trump's Department of Education representatives extended an invitation to the Presidents of HBCUs to attend a meeting at the White House on February 27, and to meet with Speaker Paul Ryan and Congressional Representatives on February 28.
The purpose of the meeting is to confirm a national agenda for assisting HBCU's continue and strengthen their contribution to the nation's graduation rates. While only 3% of institutions of higher education in America, HBCUs graduate annually 21% of all African Americans receiving Bachelors Degrees. The Trump White House has informed us that they are working on a new and stronger Executive Order on HBCUs. The UNCF Government Affairs Office, along with HBCU partner organizations, provided input to White House staff on the top priorities for a new HBCU Executive Order, including a request to increase Pell grant funding.
I will be attending the meetings in Washington and will keep you informed of any and all developments affecting our Oakwood mission. And by all means, please say a special prayer for the February 27 and 28 meetings.
Yours in Service and Maranatha!
Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Tuesday, February 21st 2017 at 9:45AM
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