S 4496 United States Senate · 119th Congress

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act to allow grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to support arts, arts education, and cultural programs. The legislation directly affects HBCUs by enabling them to receive federal funding for specific activities such as establishing outreach offices, providing wraparound student services, and preserving Black art collections. Key provisions also include creating well-paid apprenticeships and internships through partnerships with nonprofit arts institutes and allowing HBCUs to collaborate with the National Endowment for the Arts. By adding these new uses for funds, the bill aims to address historical underfunding and help maintain essential arts departments at these institutions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 12, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 12, 2026
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
upper
May 12, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors