§1136b Masters degree programs at predominantly Black institutions

Summary

The Secretary will give federal grants to each of these schools if money is available and the school is helping Black students get master’s degrees in areas like math, engineering, science, computer or information technology, nursing, allied health, or similar fields: Chicago State University; Columbia Union College; Long Island University (Brooklyn campus); Robert Morris College; and York College, City University of New York. Grants can last up to six years and can be renewed. No school can get more than one grant in the same year. Each school must show how the money will help Black and low-income graduate students and help the school become more financially independent. No match is required for the first $1,000,000 of a grant, but any amount over $1,000,000 must be matched by the school with 50% nonfederal money. Every eligible school should get at least $500,000 a year if funds allow. Up to 10% of a grant may be used to start a new qualified master’s program. The money may pay for things like lab and classroom equipment, facility work, library materials, scholarships and fellowships, development offices and endowments, financial education, tutoring and student services, faculty development, nearby property for campus use, and other approved activities. If a school already gets certain other federal awards in the same year, it cannot get a grant here that year. The first $2,500,000 of yearly funding is set aside to make the minimum awards, and any extra money is split using a formula that looks at matching ability, enrollment, costs, graduates, and the program’s contribution to Black master’s degrees. Schools that got grants in 2009 generally cannot receive less later unless money is short or they fail to provide required matching funds.