Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), and Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) have announced the establishment of a new Congressional Caucus focused on educating policymakers and uplifting the needs of predominantly Black institutions. Predominantly Black institutions represent a large group of 4-year and 2-year institutions that educate urban and rural Black students whose personal and financial situations limit their ability to pursue higher education in many states.
In 2007, Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which sought to expand access to federal grants to institutions with limited wealth for colleges serving low-income Black Americans. These colleges were designated predominantly Black institutions.
Unlike historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions were founded after the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and therefore are unable to take advantage of federal programs earmarked for HBCUs.
There are approximately 110 predominantly Black educational institutions that serve over 480,000 students. These institutions have minimal institutional wealth and serve a population of students who are low-income, minority, and first-generation, and whose personal finances present special challenges to educational success. PBIs are required to meet stringent eligibility requirements related to student enrollment, family income, institutional wealth, and percentage of minority students. The PBI Caucus will work to help policymakers understand the needs of PBIs so that policies better assist these important institutions.
