Select HBCUs Begin Int'l Focus Program

 WASHINGTON —The American Council on Education (ACE) has named seven institutions to its new Creating Global Citizens: Exploring Internationalization at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) project, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education. The institutions are Dillard University (LA), Howard University (DC), Lincoln University of Missouri, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Savannah State University (GA), Tuskegee University (AL) and Virginia State University.

The institutions will work with an ACE project team over the next two years to advance campus internationalization. They will conduct an audit of their international activities and consider strategies to ensure their graduates have opportunities for global learning. These strategies might range from infusing international content into academic programs to developing strategic partnerships with institutions in other countries. The project also includes a research component to identify the factors that enhance and impede internationalization at HBCUs.

“If we don’t better prepare our graduates to join the global workforce here in the 21st century, we’re in danger of falling behind. That is why the Department of Education’s support for this effort and the work of these institutions is so critical,” said ACE President Molly Corbett Broad. “I congratulate these seven colleges and universities, which were selected after a very rigorous application process.”

“This grant is one of several efforts we are undertaking to give HBCUs, minority-serving institutions and other schools the tools they need to educate students for success in our global society,” said Eduardo Ochoa, assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education. “We look forward to the outcomes of ACE’s work and hope the results will serve as a model for other HBCUs and schools that serve students who are underrepresented in international education.”

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities are committed to ensuring the students they serve are prepared for our global society, not just through study abroad but through curricular advances. A holistic focus on internationalization at these institutions will help ensure that happens,” said ACE Senior Vice President Shirley Pippins. “ACE has a long history of supporting greater access and success for all students, and we are pleased to partner with HBCUs in this effort.”

The project is overseen by an advisory group of representatives from the Council for Opportunity in Education, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), UNCF-Special Programs, and leaders from within the HBCU community.

Applications to the project were open in fall 2010 to all four-year accredited HBCUs with undergraduate student bodies. The seven awardees were chosen after written applications and a competitive review process. On Jan. 27, team leaders from the selected institutions will attend an opening meeting at ACE to officially begin their project.

Creating Global Citizens is funded by a U.S. Department of Education International Studies and Research Grant award ($357,976) with an ACE match of 35 percent ($191,479).

Founded in 1918, ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nation's higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents, and more than 200 related associations, nationwide. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy.