With the enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, five Predominantly Black Institutions are eligible to receive funding to improve graduate education opportunities at the master’s level in mathematics, engineering, physical or natural sciences, computer science, information technology, nursing, allied health or other scientific disciplines where African American students are underrepresented.

Types of Projects Institutions may use federal funds for activities that include:

Purchase, rental or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes; Construction, maintenance, renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory and other instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services; Purchase of library books, periodicals, technical and other scientific journals, microfilm, microfiche, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program materials; Scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance for needy graduate students to permit the enrollment of students in, and completion of a master’s degree in mathematics, engineering, physical or natural sciences, computer science, information technology, nursing, allied health, or other scientific disciplines in which African Americans are underrepresented; Establishing or improving a development office to strengthen and increase contributions from alumni and the private sector; Assisting in the establishment or maintenance of an institutional endowment to facilitate financial independence pursuant to Section 331; Funds and administrative management, and the acquisition of equipment, including software, for use in strengthening funds management and management information systems; Acquisition of real property that is adjacent to the campus in connection with the construction, renovation, or improvement of, or an addition to, campus facilities; Education or financial information designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ families, especially with regards to student indebtedness and student assistance programs under title IV; Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success; Faculty professional development, faculty exchanges, and faculty participation in professional conferences and meetings; and Other activities proposed in the application that are approved by the Secretary as part of the review and acceptance of such application.