U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will deliver remarks highlighting the progress of America's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the 2016 National HBCU Week Conference Monday at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.
The event is hosted by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and entitled, "HBCUs: Promoting Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability."
HBCUs, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, include: "…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans…" Today, HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions prepare students to serve domestically and internationally in public and private sector professions.
Since President Obama took office, one million more African American and Latino students have completed college. A hallmark of the Obama Administration has been promoting equity and excellence in education, including making college more affordable. The Administration remains committed to increasing the number of students who earn high-quality post-secondary credentials.