skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Hunger Persists at HBCUs, Despite Record Federal Funding

play audio
Play

Friday, March 11, 2022   

Tennessee's six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) collectively received more than $131 million in the past year through the American Rescue Plan, according to new data from the Department of Education.

But another report found many students at HBCUs are missing meals or worried about having enough food.

Terrell Strayhorn, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Virginia Union University and director of the Center for the Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, said nearly half the students surveyed reported struggling to access food and losing a job during the pandemic.

"And it's hard to feel like you belong in higher education when your basic needs are not met," Strayhorn explained. "When you don't have enough money to pay your bills and have food, and have a place to lay your head, but you're expected to show up for biology class."

The report is based on survey data from nearly 5,000 students at fourteen public and private HBCUs. It showed HBCUs produce more than 20% of Black Americans' bachelors degrees.

Rachel Sumekh, founder and CEO of Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit focused on ending college hunger, thinks states should create and expand financial aid and emergency aid options for students.

"Four states have passed something known as the Hunger-Free Campus bill, which has sent over $70 million to campuses to fund anti-hunger programs," Sumekh reported.

Sumekh added states need federal support, and also an expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access to students in degree and nondegree career and technical programs, as well as for HBCU students enrolled in programs increasing job prospects for low-income populations.

"When it comes to basic needs, our institutions are too underfunded and too understaffed to address the level of need on campus," Sumekh asserted.

According to the report, one in five HBCU students having trouble meeting their basic needs had received help from their college in applying for SNAP benefits.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021