Chapter 5: The Future Act: How HBCU Leaders Can Engage Federal Policymakers to Ensure Their Success

The FUTURE Act provides millions of dollars for HBCUs and other MSIs. The funding is critical considering the outsized role HBCUs play in higher education. For instance, they educate a substantial number of first-generation students. In addition, graduates thrive in the workplace and make significant contributions to the global economy. Similar to other post-secondary institutions, they depend on federal appropriations to fund vital infrastructure and programmatic initiatives. For this reason, this chapter will investigate the long-term impact the FUTURE Act will have on HBCUs. Moreover, the author considers HBCUs’ role preparing students for the workforce and highlights why they produce Black professionals. Additionally, the author will contextualize prior experiences as a congressional staffer working with HBCU leaders to secure federal funding. The chapter includes actionable steps HBCU leaders should utilize to engage federal policymakers and staff.