Bill seeks to bolster HBCU student national security opportunities

U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) recently detailed the HBCU National Security Innovation Act, which seeks to connect Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students to the defense industry and private sector national security and innovation programs.

“As technology continues to advance, our nation faces unprecedented threats that will require new skills and innovation,” Scott, co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus,
said. “That’s why I am proud to work to build an enduring connection between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Department of Defense. This bill will not only open doors to new opportunities for diverse students, but it will also allow the Department of Defense to tap into a deeper talent pool than ever before, bolstering our national security for years to come.”

Scott has also co-sponsored the Cybersecurity Opportunity Act as a means of expanding cybersecurity training programs at HBCUs and other institutions serving a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients in South Carolina and throughout the nation.

“The HBCU National Security Innovation Act will support the growth of America’s HBCU’s in research, development, and innovation vital to American national security,” Ossoff said.

The bill stipulates, among other provisions, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering establish activities that include outreach and technical assistance to better connect historically Black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions to the programs of the Defense
Innovation Unit and its associated programs.