WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), today announced the Senate passage of their legislation to permanently renew funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The legislation also includes a first step toward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Annual funding for MSIs expired on September 30, 2019.

“West Virginia is proud to be home to two HBCU’s, West Virginia State University and Bluefield State College,” Senator Capito said. “I’ve had the chance to see firsthand the life-changing impact of these institutions of higher education can have on someone’s life. It’s with particular passion that I’ve continued working with my colleagues to make sure every child and every student has access to an excellent education. This bipartisan and permanent fix will have a lasting impact on our students, and it will ensure HBCU’s have access to the federal support needed to help their students achieve their goals.”

“Minority-serving institutions serve a significant role in America’s history and have educated some of our country’s greatest thinkers. They continue to positively influence our nation by creating learning and growing opportunities through innovative research and world-class academics. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to permanently fund these institutions and ensure they continue to provide top-notch educations for years to come,” said Senator Manchin. 

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