Good news for historically Black colleges and universities: The Department of Education announced it will distribute nearly $228 million in grants to a number of the schools over a five-year period.

"HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "The grants will help these important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality education they need to compete in the global economy."

Under a DOE program called Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 97 HBCUs will receive five-year grants of varying amounts that are aimed at supporting curriculum reform, providing counseling and student service programs, providing teacher education programs, acquiring real-estate property in connection with construction, renovations, or additions that may improve campus facilities, and funding faculty and staff development.

Four schools will receive awards in excess of $5 million including Florida A&M University, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and St. Philip's College in San Antonio.

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(Photo: Courtesy of Morgan State University)