WASHINGTON – In recognition of his work to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) was recognized in the 2020 HBCU Congressional Honor Roll by UNCF, a leading advocate for HBCUs and provider of scholarships for underrepresented students. Senator Coons was included in the President’s Circle, the top tier of recognition for Members of Congress, for his work to fund HBCUs and promote college affordability. In December, Senator Coons worked to pass the FUTURE Act, which provides permanent funding to HBCUs like Delaware State University and simplifies financial aid applications nationwide.
“HBCUs like Delaware State are among our nation’s most important and cherished institutions, and I’m proud that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement to permanently provide them with the federal funding they deserve,” said Senator Coons. “We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and supporting HBCUs is an important part of that work. I’m honored to be recognized by the UNCF, and I’m committed to supporting Delaware State and HBCUs around the country in the years to come.”
Senator Coons was pivotal in the passage of the FUTURE Act last year. Both chambers of Congress passed a bipartisan agreement brokered by Senator Coons and several leading Republican and Democratic Senators to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions like Delaware State University. The legislation also simplified the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 20 million American families and streamlined income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers. The FUTURE Act was signed into law on December 19, 2019.
The HBCU Congressional Honor Roll recognizes Members of Congress who go above and beyond in advocating for HBCUs and the students they serve. Senator Coons was honored at the 2nd annual State of the HBCU Address in Washington, DC on March 3, 2020.
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