The two oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Cheyney University (HBCUs) and sister institution down the road, Lincoln University served as co-hosts for the National Association of Title III Administrators, Inc. Technical Assistance Workshop June 19th – 24th, 2022.
The annual event gathered more than 250 representatives from the 101 HBCUs to network, discuss grant compliance and share best practices during a participate technical assistance workshop. Title III Strengthening HBCUs funding started in 1965 with the Higher Education Act that among other objectives intended to level the educational playing field and provide financial support to institutions of higher education, including HBCUs more equitably.
“Prior to 1965, black and brown individuals could not attend state universities,” said Cheyney’s Mae Stephens, Director of Title III/Grants Administration. “That is why HBCUs were so critical for those seeking to advance their education.”
Along with HBCU representatives, the multi-day conference was attended by City of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, LaDeshia Maxwell, newly appointed deputy southeast regional director from Gov. Tom Wolf’s Office, and numerous vendors from around the country. Cheyney students were able to attend and fully participate in the workshop sessions. Additionally, Cheyney University alum Joyce Abbott, who is Quinta Brunson’s inspiration for the fictional television series Abbott Elementary, made an appearance at the welcome reception and took pictures with many of the attendees and students.
The final day of the event included a Spirit Day where each school wore their colors, Greek sororities and fraternities competed in step exercises and a grand presentation from the Teyhimba African Drum Ensemble.
The conference marked an important part of why the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed into law under President Lydon Johnson’s Administration as part of the Great Society domestic agenda, identifying the principal characteristics of an HBCU. It authorized a broad array of federal student aid programs that assist students and their families with financing the cost of a postsecondary education, as well as programs that provide federal support to postsecondary institutions of higher education.
Stephens reminds us that “Today, HBCUs though they comprise approximately three percent of American colleges and universities, these schools award more than 22 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in the United States, with 24 percent in STEM fields. Among members of Congress, 40 percent are HBCU graduates.” (source: https://hbcualumni.org)
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