President Barack Obama and the White House have proclaimed this week as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week. Have you seen this school type while researching schools in the United States?

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) explains that an HBCU is a school that meets three important standards:

• Established before 1964
• Has a primary mission that “was, and is, the education of black Americans”
• “Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary (of Education)”

F and M students may apply to an HBCU as long as the school is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Higher education is a priority for President Obama and his administration. In 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order 13532. This order created a White House Initiative to promote excellence, innovation and sustainability at HBCUs. ED is responsible for implementing and maintaining the initiative and has more information on National HBCU Week.

Source:

• What is an HBCU?; U.S. Department of Education