§1136b Masters Degree Programs at Predominantly Black Institutions

Summary

Provides federal grants to five named institutions to strengthen masters‑level programs in math, engineering, physical or natural sciences, computer science, IT, nursing, allied health, or other science fields where African Americans are underrepresented. The five eligible schools are Chicago State University, Columbia Union College, Long Island University (Brooklyn campus), Robert Morris College, and York College (CUNY). Each school must apply and explain how the money will expand graduate chances for Black and low‑income students and how it will increase financial independence. No school can get more than one grant in a year. Grants last up to six years and can be renewed. Each award must be at least $500,000 (subject to funding rules). No extra matching money is required for the first $1,000,000 of an award, but any grant over $1,000,000 must be matched 50 percent from non‑Federal sources. Up to 10 percent of a grant may be used to start a new eligible masters program. Approved uses include buying lab or telecom equipment, fixing or building classrooms and labs, buying library materials, scholarships and fellowships, growing private giving and endowments, improving financial and funds management, buying adjacent property, student support services, financial literacy education, faculty development, and other Secretary‑approved activities. Each year the first $2,500,000 of money for the program goes to pay the minimum awards for the five listed schools; if that amount is too small, the minimum awards are cut evenly. After that, remaining minimum awards are paid to any other eligible institutions, also prorated if funds are short. Any money above $2,500,000 is split among the five listed schools by a formula the Secretary makes that uses: the school’s ability to match funds, the number of students enrolled in the qualified masters program, the average cost of attendance, the number of graduates, and the program’s share of African American masters degrees in the field. If a school fails to meet matching rules, its share may be redistributed pro rata to schools that did meet them. A school that got a grant in 2009 cannot receive less in later years unless overall funding is too small or the school cannot provide the required match. Also, a school that receives certain other federal awards (under sections 1063b, 1102a, or 1136a) in a year cannot get these grants in that same year.