Program Office: Teacher and Student Development Programs Service
CFDA Number: TBA
Program Type: Discretionary Grants
Also Known As: Title III, Part A, Section 318

Program Description

The Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program makes grant awards to eligible institutions to plan, develop, undertake and implement programs to enhance the institution’s capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; to expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and to strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of these students.

Types of Projects

Five-year projects that strengthen PBIs and enhance the capacity of these institutions to serve low- and middle-income Black American students.  Funds may be used for:

 
• academic instruction in disciplines in which Black Americans are underrepresented;
• establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education designed to qualify students to teach in a public elementary school or secondary school in the state that shall include, as part of such program, preparation for teacher certification or licensure;
• establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary school and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue postsecondary education;
• purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;
• construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional facilities, including the integration of computer technology into institutional facilities to create smart buildings;
• support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in the field of instruction of the faculty;
• development and improvement of academic programs;
• purchase of library books, periodicals, and other educational materials, including telecommunications program material;
• tutoring, counseling, and student service programs designed to improve academic success, including innovative, customized, instruction courses designed to help retain students and move the students rapidly into core courses and through program completion, which may include remedial education and English language instruction;
• education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students' families;
• funds management, administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
• joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries;
• establishing or improving a development office to strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private sector;
• establishing or improving an endowment fund;
• creating or improving facilities for Internet or other distance learning technologies, including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or services; and
• other activities proposed in the application that contribute to carrying out the purpose of the PBI Program and are approved by the Secretary as part of the review and approval of an application.