The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) applauds the Missouri House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee for engaging in discussions that recognize the importance of increased funding and investment in historically Black colleges and universities, especially within the state of Missouri. At a time when funding disparities and HB 2003 continue to challenge these vital institutions, any efforts to prioritize their sustainability and growth is both necessary and long overdue.

House Bill 3416 would create the “Strengthening HBCUs Fund,” which will take 1%, or approximately $3.3 million from the state’s excursion grambling proceeds and another 1% from the Classroom Trust Fund, another $3.3 million, in addition to gifts and donations, and split the funds between Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University.

HBCUs such as Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University of Missouri play a critical role in expanding access to higher education, particularly for underserved, first-generation, and low-income students. These institutions are engines of economic mobility, workforce development, and community impact—not only in Missouri but across the nation.

“This moment represents an important opportunity for Missouri to take meaningful action in support of its historically Black colleges and universities. HBCUs have long delivered exceptional value—producing graduates who strengthen our workforce, uplift communities, and drive economic mobility. Sustained and equitable investment is not just a commitment to these institutions, but to the future of the students and communities they serve. We applaud House Representative LaKeysha Bosley for sponsoring this bill to address longstanding funding inequities and invest in the future of Missouri’s HBCUs and higher education. We urge lawmakers to continue advancing policies that ensure HBCUs are fully resourced and positioned to thrive for generations to come.”

— Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF

Recent legislative conversations underscore the need for equitable funding models that acknowledge the unique mission and historical underfunding of HBCUs. As noted in ongoing policy debates, proposed funding changes in Missouri have raised concerns about disproportionate financial impacts on these institutions, with some projections suggesting significant reductions tied to enrollment-based formulas (HB 2003).

HCF strongly encourages Missouri lawmakers to move forward with policies that strengthen—not weaken—HBCUs. Increased and sustained investment is essential to ensuring these institutions can continue to deliver high-quality education, support student success, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic future.

We at HCF remain committed to advocating for fair, transparent, and strategic funding that uplift HBCUs and the students they serve.

###

About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a non-profit educational organization that remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.