in effect
Executive Order 14283, signed April 23, 2025, establishes a White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) housed within the Executive Office of the President. It directs the federal government to work with agencies, private employers, foundations, and educational partners to strengthen HBCUs’ financial stability, infrastructure, and student outcomes.
A new White House Initiative on HBCUs is created, led by an Executive Director appointed by the President, replacing the prior Initiative established under Executive Order 14041 (2021), which is revoked. A President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs is re-established within the Department of Education, drawing members from philanthropy, business, finance, and current HBCU presidents. The Executive Director must submit an annual progress report to the President on federal impact and recommendations. The EPA’s HBCU and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council must be terminated within 14 days of the order. The Initiative is also directed to support implementation of the HBCU PARTNERS Act and hold an annual White House Summit on HBCUs.
The approximately 100 institutions listed under 34 C.F.R. 608.2 as HBCUs are the primary focus, along with their students, faculty, and administrators who may see changes in federal engagement, grant competitiveness, and private-sector partnership opportunities. Federal agencies are directed to assist the Initiative and participate in its coordination efforts, each funding their own participation. Private-sector employers, philanthropic organizations, and state governments — particularly those with 1890 Land-Grant Institutions — are identified as key partners the Initiative will engage.