IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

Improved Campus Safety and Health: Grants can be used to reduce risks to the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, faculty, and guests by addressing critical conditions such as water safety, electrical systems, and security (Section 2(b)(3) and Section 5(b)(2)(C)).

Enhanced Learning Environments: Funding can modernize instructional laboratories and provide access to high-speed broadband to support digital and technology-based learning (Section 3(a)(1)(A) and Section 3(a)(6)).

Economic and Workforce Opportunities: The bill allows for the development of facilities that support job creation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development hubs aligned with regional labor market needs (Section 3(a)(1)(G)).

Support for Small Businesses: The Act encourages the use of contracts from small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and qualified HUBZone small businesses (Section 4).

Debt Relief for Institutions: The Secretary is required to repay the outstanding balance of certain covered closed loan agreements when a disbursement is received (Section 6(a)).

Prohibited Use of Funds for Specific Facilities: Grant funds cannot be used for facilities that are primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions where admission is charged to the public (Section 3(b)(2)).

Restrictions on Maintenance Types: Funds are prohibited from being used for routine and predictable maintenance costs, minor repairs, or utility bills (Section 3(b)(1)).

Security Risk Restrictions: Funds may not be used for any communications equipment or service that poses a risk to national security (Section 3(b)(3)).