What does Preamble of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide for the long-term improvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act'' or the ``IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act''.

What does GRANTS FOR THE LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT OF HBCUS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section establishes a program to award grants to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, to support long-term improvements to facilities. Eligible entities must submit applications detailing planned projects, how they will advance the entity's goals, and how they will reduce health and safety risks. Priority in awarding grants will be given to entities demonstrating the greatest need, limited fundraising capacity, high percentages of Pell Grant-eligible students, and facing declining state support. The Secretary may also prioritize entities lacking broadband access, those primarily awarding associate's degrees, and those proposing projects aligned with regional infrastructure priorities. The Secretary is required to ensure geographic distribution of grants across the United States. The Secretary may provide technical assistance to eligible entities to help them qualify for and manage grants. The Secretary may consider whether an entity has received a loan under the Higher Education Act of 1965 when reviewing grant applications and determining priority.

What does GRANT USES. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section outlines permitted and prohibited uses of grant funds received under this Act by eligible entities. Eligible entities can use grant funds to construct, modernize, renovate, or retrofit campus facilities, including improving instructional laboratories and research facilities. Funds can also be used to purchase vehicle fleets for campus accessibility and student activities, conduct repairs, acquire research equipment, and purchase land for new campus facilities. Other permitted uses include installing broadband infrastructure, strengthening campus safety and security, and supporting institutional planning and governance. Grant funds cannot be used for routine maintenance, facilities primarily used for athletic contests with public admission, communications equipment posing a national security risk, or activities already funded under certain Higher Education Act provisions without Secretary approval. Entities must supplement existing federal, state, and local funding, rather than supplanting it. The Secretary is encouraged to promote partnerships between eligible entities and other organizations to provide additional funding and support activities.

What does USE OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

Eligible entities must seek contracts from small business concerns owned by veterans Eligible entities must seek contracts from qualified HUBZone small business concerns Grants under this Act require procurement from specified small business concerns

What does RESERVATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section outlines the reservation of funds and the development of a facilities master plan for eligible entities receiving grants under this Act. Eligible entities may reserve up to 5% of their grant for administrative purposes, facility master plan development, protecting student and staff health, and mitigating noise. Within 180 days of receiving a grant, entities must submit a comprehensive facilities master plan to the Secretary. The facilities master plan must describe how grant funds will be used, identify anticipated benefits, and assess the condition of campus facilities. The plan must include details on factors such as indoor air quality, drinking water safety, energy efficiency, noise levels, and the impact of student enrollment. The plan must also specify the funds dedicated to capital construction and maintenance/operation of campus facilities. Entities are required to demonstrate meaningful consultation with diverse stakeholders during the development of the facilities master plan.

What does HBCU CAPITAL FINANCING LOAN DISBURSEMENT AND FORGIVENESS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section outlines the disbursement and forgiveness of loans to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). When an institution receives a disbursement of a loan under a covered closed loan agreement, the Secretary must repay the outstanding balance of principal, interest, fees, and costs. The Secretary must also repay any usual and customary reimbursements related to the loan agreement when it is paid off. A 'covered closed loan agreement' is defined as an agreement executed before the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. These agreements must be made under part D of title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The loan amounts covered by these agreements must not have been fully disbursed as of the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

What does REPORTS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section mandates reporting requirements related to a grant program. The Secretary of Education must submit annual reports to congressional committees detailing projects funded by the Act, including project types, square footage, costs (planning, design, construction, site purchase, improvements), geographic distribution, and student demographics. The report on student demographics must include race/ethnicity and the number/percentage of Pell Grant-eligible students. The Secretary will also evaluate a sample of grant recipients to assess grant usage and activity effectiveness. The Comptroller General of the United States must conduct a study and submit a report within two years of enactment on the appropriations needed to continue the grant program, including deferred maintenance costs and alternative funding sources. The Comptroller General must also conduct a study four years after enactment on the implementation of the grant program, examining challenges and assessing accessibility for entities with fiscal difficulties. The Comptroller General's implementation study report will include recommendations to the Secretary for program improvements.

What does DEFINITIONS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. An 'eligible entity' is defined as either a 'part B institution' as defined in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, or an institution or program listed under section 326(e)(1) of that Act. The term 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Education. The term 'State' is given the meaning defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations for carrying out the Act. The authorized funding period spans fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

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IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

Last updated: 5/13/2026 · Introduced: 5/13/2026

Author: J. Hill (R-AR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program to provide funding for long-term improvements to facilities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), prioritizing institutions with the greatest need and limited resources.
Grant funds can be used for a variety of campus improvements, including constructing or renovating facilities, purchasing equipment, installing broadband infrastructure, and strengthening campus safety and security.
Eligible entities receiving grants are required to prioritize contracts with small businesses owned by veterans and qualified HUBZone small businesses.
Recipients must develop a comprehensive facilities master plan within 180 days of receiving a grant, detailing planned improvements, anticipated benefits, and stakeholder consultation.
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to repay outstanding loan balances for certain HBCUs under specific loan agreements executed before 2021, and mandates annual reports to Congress on program activities and funding needs.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4528(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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