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Charlotte NC

Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus

About the HBCU Caucus:

The Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus (Caucus) was founded by Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) on April 28, 2015. The Caucus is co-chaired by Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). The Caucus works to promote and protect the interests of HBCUs by creating a national dialogue, educating Members of Congress and their staffs about the issues impacting HBCUs, drafting meaningful bipartisan legislation to address the needs of HBCUs, and supporting students and graduates of HBCUs by increasing access and career opportunities. The Caucus is bipartisan and bicameral, with over 100 members.

There are over 100 HBCUs that educate and employ many of our constituents. They provide vital opportunity for students that may not have otherwise pursued higher education. Despite their significant contributions, many HBCUs face serious challenges. The Caucus convenes to discuss the challenges impacting HBCUs and create meaningful policies and legislation to address them.

HBCU Partnership Challenge:

In September 2017, Congresswoman Adams announced the HBCU Partnership Challenge. The Challenge was created because strengthening public-private investments in HBCUs is necessary to ensure their future sustainability, increase career prospects for their students, and advance diversity and inclusion within all sectors of employment. Learn more about the Challenge here.

The Challenge is a public pledge. It is an announcement that your corporation or organization is at the table and committed to create strategic partnerships with our nation's HBCUs. It is an acknowledgment that HBCUs, which produce top minority talent, are a part of your diversity and inclusion efforts. For more information on the Caucus or the Challenge, please contact John.Christie@mail.house.gov.

Internship:

The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Internship Program was established to provide HBCU students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable, hands on experience and learn about the functions of a Congressional office from the perspectives of both a Democrat and Republican member of Congress. Each intern will participate in an eight week internship with equal time split between one Republican office and one Democratic office. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with senior congressional staffers, key policy advocates, and members of Congress. This unique opportunity will allow students to be exposed to a broad range of policy issues and examine how those issues are addressed from varying perspectives. Students will also carry out traditional intern duties, including, but not limited to, providing administrative support, processing mail, drafting constituent correspondence, and supporting legislative and communications staff.