A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.

Summary of Bill S.4496 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

• The bill seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the uses of federal grant funds aimed at strengthening historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• It specifically adds authorizations for supporting arts and culture-focused initiatives within HBCUs, and facilitates partnerships and wraparound supports for students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs.

Key provisions and changes

• Amendments to Section 323 of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1062):
  • Reclassifies and expands eligible uses of funds previously identified in the section.
  • Adds new allowed activities (new subsections) including:
  • (14) Providing financial and other assistance to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs.
  • (15) Establishing outreach programs and development offices for arts, arts education, and cultural departments.
  • (16) Providing comprehensive wraparound services for arts, arts education, and cultural students, such as:
    • Faculty and peer mentorship
    • Work-based learning opportunities
    • Guidance counseling
    • Career advising
  • (17) Exhibiting, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting Black art collections in exhibition and storage.
  • (18) Providing well-paid apprenticeships, internships, and fellowship opportunities to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs through partnerships with nonprofit arts, education, and cultural institutes.
  • Subsection (d): Allows a partnership between an eligible institution and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to carry out the activities described in subsections (14)–(18).
  • Subsection (e): Defines “arts” to include performance, literary, visual, graphic, plastic, and decorative arts, i.e., a broad interpretation of arts disciplines.

Who/what would be affected

• Institutions: Historically Black colleges and universities that receive Higher Education Act funding and participate in the Federal student aid and program administration.
• Students: Specifically those pursuing arts, arts education, and cultural programs, with expanded access to:
  • Financial and other supports
  • Mentorship
  • Work-based learning
  • Career guidance
  • Apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships
• Arts programs at HBCUs: Increased funding and structural support for arts departments, outreach, display and preservation of Black art, and partnerships with arts organizations.
• Partnerships: Potential collaborations with the National Endowment for the Arts to implement the described activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Status: Introduced in the Senate on May 12, 2026 by Senators Alsobrooks and Justice; referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
• Next steps: The bill would need to pass the Senate (and House of Representatives, if applicable) and be enacted into law. If enacted, the changes would modify eligibility and permissible uses of funds under the Higher Education Act for the participating institutions.
• Effective date: Not specified in the text provided; typical future implementation would follow the act’s enactment and any appropriations accompanying the bill.

Notable context from findings (Section 1: Findings)

• Emphasizes that the arts contribute to economic activity, healthcare improvements, and cultural understanding.
• Highlights underrepresentation and underfunding in arts sectors and for Black artists and arts programs within higher education.
• Argues that additional investment in HBCU arts and culture programs can expand access to affordable arts education and support the preservation and study of Black art.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law to highlight exact statutory changes and potential funding implications.