Howard Hughes Medical Institute awards $5.7 mil. to historically black colleges

Eight historically Black colleges and universities were recently awarded grants totaling $5.7 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support programs that attract students to careers in scientific research and teaching.

The four-year grants, ranging from $500,000 to $1.4 million were awarded to: Clark Atlanta University ($550,000); Fisk University ($550,000); Hampton University ($500,000); Morehouse College ($1 million); Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge ($700,000); Tougaloo College ($500,000); Tuskegee University ($500,000); and Xavier University ($1.4 million).

"We've all heard how little American students know about science and how few women and minorities are pursuing scientific careers," noted Dr. Purnell W. Choppin, president of the institute, in announcing the grants. "Instead of wringing their hands about the problem, these colleges and universities are showing real leadership in getting students excited about science."

This year the institute has awarded a total of $28.5 million in grants to 47 colleges and universities. Since 1987, the institute has awarded $204 million to help strengthen undergraduate education in the life sciences at 197 public and private colleges and universities.