Skip to main content

Congressman Cohen Votes to Expand Wireless Technology for Minority-Serving Institutions

September 4, 2007

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Steve Cohen voted for H.R. 694, the Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technological Opportunity Act. This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 331 to 59.

“The continuing racial gap between minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and colleges at large deprives countless bright and talented young people from obtaining a fully comprehensive educational experience and reaching their full potential,” said Rep. Cohen. “This bill would establish a grant program within the Commerce Department to assist minority-serving institutions in acquiring and augmenting digital and wireless networking technologies for educational purposes.”

“According to a February 26, 2004 report by the Alliance for Equity in Higher Education, less than half (45 percent) of MSI students own computers. It also stated that 88 percent of Historically Black Colleges and Universities have only the minimum standard of connectivity. It is important that this Congress work to close the economic divide as well as the digital divide that persists in this country.”

The bill authorizes up to $250 million in grants for these MSIs beginning in Fiscal Year 2008 and additional funding through FY 2012. Institutions eligible for these grants under the legislation would include minority-serving colleges and universities as well as colleges and universities that serve needy populations. At institutions serving needy populations, at least 50 percent of students must qualify for financial aid.

- 30 -

Contact:

Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265

Brian Alberts, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265

Susan Sowell, Executive Assistant, (901) 544-4131

Issues:Education