§1063e President’s Board of Advisors on Hbcus

Summary

Creates the President’s Board of Advisors on historically Black colleges and universities. The Board will sit in the Department of Education or, if the President chooses, in the Executive Office of the President. Funding and admin support come from the Secretary unless the Board is placed in the Executive Office, in which case that office provides support, all if funds are appropriated. The President appoints up to 23 members. The Secretary and the Executive Director (or their designees) also serve as members. The President picks one member to be Chair. The Chair works with the Secretary and consults the Executive Director. Meetings must happen at least once every 6 months. If a federal advisory law applies, the Chair handles most related duties except reporting to Congress. Members are unpaid but get travel and per diem reimbursement as allowed by law. The Board advises the President, through the White House Initiative, on ways to strengthen HBCUs. Advice covers things like improving identity, visibility, and competitiveness; working with philanthropy, business, government, military, homeland security, and education partners; helping HBCUs be financially secure; raising public awareness; encouraging public-private investment; and coordinating federal planning and resources. The Board must send the President an annual report on its progress.