Texas Tech University received “eligible institution” status from the U.S. Department of Education.
Texas Tech University received notice it is an “eligible institution” under Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and, as a result, can apply for federal grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
The annual Title III and Title V filing seeks to establish the vital role Texas Tech plays as a major four-year institution of higher education. Through data on the students Texas Tech serves, as well as the educational opportunities provided to the citizens of the Texas Panhandle, the Title III and Title V waiver application shows Texas Tech is a vital gateway for rural and underrepresented students to enter into professional careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, architecture and teaching.
“Although many people are not aware of this annual filing, the designation as an ‘eligible institution' under Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act is crucial to the university's ability to access federal funding as an HSI,” said Carol A. Sumner, vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and chief diversity officer.
Although Texas Tech crossed the threshold of more than 25% Hispanic undergraduate student enrollment in 2017, it did not achieve full status as an HSI until 2019.
“With our designation as an HSI, Texas Tech faculty and researchers can apply for grants funded by entities such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Endowment for the Humanities,” Sumner said.
By being designated as an “eligible institution,” Texas Tech also is eligible for Title III and Title V grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which include funds for Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation, and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
“As the recent 2020 census shows, Hispanics comprise the largest percentage of growth in Texas,” said Ashley Gonzales, senior director of the Office of Institutional Diversity. “If Texas Tech is to continue our proud history of providing higher education on the South Plains, we must take advantage of opportunities such as Title III and Title V grant funding in order to fulfill our commitment to serve all students.”
Texas Tech's designation as an “eligible institution” under Title III and Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is effective for the 2021 fiscal year.
