Expanding Access to Higher Education
Record funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Over the past decade, disparities between Maryland’s four HBCUs and our predominantly white institutions have grown. The Governor has failed to resolve a decade-long lawsuit which outlines the lack of resources for these institutions. That’s why the General Assembly passed legislation to end the lawsuit and provide $577 million for HBCUs to level the playing field for all students – regardless of their background, race, or the college they attend.
Expanding access to Higher Education for Low-income students
I sponsored legislation to increase access to the Maryland College Access Act and Next Generation Scholars Program, which were both passed out of the General Assembly. Combined, this legislation will create $5.2 million in permanent funding to assist low-income students in attending and graduating from college. I benefited from programs like First Generation College Bound (FGCB), which helps identify resources and opportunities for low-income students. This legislation will ensure organizations like FGCB – which has active programs at DuVal and Parkdale High Schools in our district – have sufficient capability to meet the needs of our young people, as the cost of higher education continues to rise nationwide. In 2022, I supported the Maryland Student Investment Act, which provides an additional $7.7 million in funding to programs like FGCB – furthering the State’s commitment to expand access to education.