What does Preamble of IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill 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.

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 for long-term improvements to facilities. Eligible entities can apply for and receive multiple grants under this section. Applications must include a description of planned projects, how they advance the entity's goals, and how they will reduce health and safety risks. Priority for grant awards will be given to entities demonstrating the greatest need, limited fundraising capacity, and high percentages of Pell Grant-eligible students. The Secretary may also prioritize entities facing declining state support, lacking broadband access, or 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 prepare and maintain grant applications. The Secretary may consider whether an entity has received loans 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, transportation infrastructure, and security. Funds can also be used to purchase vehicle fleets, carry out repairs (excluding routine maintenance), acquire research equipment, and install broadband infrastructure. The Act allows for land acquisition and preconstruction costs for new campus facilities not primarily used for classroom instruction. Eligible entities may strengthen campus safety and security and improve institutional planning and governance related to infrastructure. Grant funds cannot be used for routine maintenance, athletic facilities with public admission fees, communications equipment posing national security risks, or activities already funded under specific Higher Education Act provisions without Secretary approval. The grant is intended to supplement, not supplant, existing federal, state, and local funding. The Secretary is encouraged to promote partnerships between eligible entities and public/private entities 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 for administrative and other activities related to grants received under this Act. Eligible entities may reserve up to 5% of grant funds for activities such as developing a facilities master plan, protecting student and staff health during construction, 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 detail the current condition of campus facilities. The plan must include assessments of factors like indoor air quality, drinking water safety, energy efficiency, and noise levels. Entities must also outline the financial resources dedicated to both capital construction and maintenance/operation of campus facilities. Development of the facilities master plan requires meaningful consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, students, community residents, and government entities.

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

This section outlines the repayment and forgiveness of loans for 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 customary reimbursements related to the loan agreement when it is paid off. A 'covered closed loan agreement' is defined as one 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 this section 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 requires the Secretary to submit reports on projects carried out with grant funds. The reports must include assessments of project types, costs, and demographic composition of the student population. The Comptroller General must conduct studies on appropriations and implementation of the grant program. The studies will inform the appropriation of funds and identify potential improvements to the grant program. Reports will be submitted to congressional committees.

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 under 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 definition of 'State' is derived from 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 period for appropriations is fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

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IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Tim Scott (R-SC)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a program to award grants to eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities for long-term improvements to facilities, with priority given to entities demonstrating the greatest need and limited fundraising capacity.
Grant funds can be used to construct, modernize, renovate, or retrofit campus facilities, including improving instructional laboratories, transportation infrastructure, and security, as well as purchasing research equipment and installing broadband infrastructure.
Eligible entities are required to seek contracts from small business concerns owned by veterans and qualified HUBZone small business concerns when using grant funds.
The bill allows eligible entities to reserve up to 5% of grant funds for activities such as developing a facilities master plan and mitigating noise during construction.
The Secretary of Education is required to repay the outstanding balance of principal, interest, fees, and costs for certain loans made to Historically Black Colleges and Universities under covered closed loan agreements.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8791(In Committee)Official page

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

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