Obama To Black College And Universities: ‘You’ve Got A Partner In Me’

President Obama welcomed the leaders of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs) to the White House a few moments ago and pledged to throw the full support of his administration behind their efforts to improve graduation rates and prepare as many students as possible for the challenges of the 21st century workplace.

“You’ve got a partner in me and a partner in the Department of Education,” Obama said in brief remarks to the group.

The presidents said HCBUs are known for making it “possible for millions of people to achieve their dreams.” He said the institutions in years past gave many young people “a chance that nobody else would give them.”

Earlier this year, Obama announced that the government would invest $850 million over 10 years in HCBUs. He said he expects the colleges and universities to help him reach his goal that the U.S. by 2020 will lead the world in the number of college graduates.

(Posted by Mimi Hall)