CAPAC Leaders Praise Signing of FUTURE Act to Support Minority Serving Institutions

Washington, DC —Today, the President signed into law the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, which would permanently reauthorize more than $250 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. This funding had expired at the end of September. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair, and Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair and Education Task Force Chair issued the following statements:

“The FUTURE Act is a victory for communities of color. Minority-Serving Institutions like AANAPISIs have been incredibly successful at helping more students of color create better opportunities for themselves, and have been particularly successful at helping students of color find careers in STEM fields that are crucial to the future of our economy,” said CAPAC Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu. “AANAPISIs enroll nearly half of all AAPI undergraduate students nationwide and confer almost half of the associate’s degrees for AAPI students. That is why we were so disappointed when the Senate allowed this funding to expire in September 2019. That lapse in funding jeopardized the future success of these programs. But fortunately, with this bill now signed into law, this funding will always be there to ensure every student has an equal opportunity at a better future.”

“Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) continue to make a monumental difference for our Asian American and Pacific Islander students in higher education, especially those from low-income backgrounds,” said CAPAC First Vice Chair Congresswoman Grace Meng.“That is why, I am thrilled the FUTURE Act was signed into law, thereby permanently reauthorizing $255 million in annual funding for minority-serving institutions like AANAPISIs. From community colleges to four-year institutions, AANAPISI funding develop targeted, critical student success programs, such as counseling and tutoring services, leadership and mentoring opportunities, and research. These programs also improve retention and graduation, while increasing the reflection of AAPI history and culture in the classrooms. Everyone deserves their best chance at a quality education, and AANAPISIs have been a lifeline for our AAPI students. It is my hope this law will further resonate across the nation for generations to come.”

“As an educator, I am glad that the FUTURE Act has been officially signed into law,” said CAPAC Education Task Force Chair Congressman Mark Takano. “This was a bipartisan effort that will extend mandatory funding for our HBCUs, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and other Minority Serving Institutions. For the sake of our students, their education, and their success, funding for these institutions is critical. The future of our country depends on future generations. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. I look forward to continuing to work to support MSIs and ensure that students of all backgrounds have a shot at a good education and access to the American Dream.”