Hoyer, Mikulski, Cardin Announce Over $3 Million Grant for Bowie State University

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) and U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-MD) announced today that Bowie State University has been awarded a $3,001,959 grant each year for five years from the U.S. Department of Education through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program. The program enables Historically Black Colleges and Universities to establish or strengthen infrastructure, financial management, academic resources, and endowment-building capacity.

"Bowie State University is an outstanding higher education institution, and this funding will help strengthen their academic standing even more," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Investments in higher education, particularly in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, are critical to ensuring  Maryland's students have the education and skills needed for well-paying jobs. The Democratic-led Congress made record investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities last Congress, and I remain committed to strengthening these institutions in Maryland and around the country."

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities play a critical role in making sure all our children have a chance to succeed," said Senator Mikulski. "Every child, regardless of race or family income, deserves a chance to go to college. These funds in the federal checkbook will help Bowie State continue to provide quality education and prepare students for jobs today and jobs tomorrow. I will continue to fight for federal investments in Maryland's HBCUs and to increase
opportunities for our students."

"Our state's higher education system is one of the best in the nation and Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a strong part of that success," said Senator Cardin.  "Bowie State has a strong record of academic achievement and this grant from the U.S. Department of Education is important because it will  provide significant new  resources to further enhance BSU's academic program and ensure student success."

"I am very excited to know that we're receiving this grant," said Dr. Mickey Burnim, President of Bowie State University. "It will be a wonderful means for us to strengthen the institution in a way that will be able to provide more
opportunity to our students. This funding will enable us to pursue our mission more vigorously and produce more graduates, which is consistent with the President's plan to have more Americans with degrees."

The funding will help Bowie State carry out some of its key objectives including closing the achievement gap between first-generation college students at Bowie State and other students in the University System of Maryland; enhancing enrollment and retention; improving their Development Office, improving technology and telecommunications infrastructure; establishing a four year experience counseling program; and supporting their Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.