Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter was sent to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK) as well as House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX). It expresses support for appropriating $40 million for the August F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence grant program, which provides competitive grants to historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions to support their educator preparation programs and prospective teachers. Investing in this grant program would help create a diverse teaching workforce that better reflects the current student population. Moreover, it would improve outcomes for all students, especially students of color.
Read the full letter here.