U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona toured Spelman College on July 17 as part of his visit to Atlanta to speak with Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) presidents and recent student loan relief borrowers.
During his visit to Spelman, Cardona toured the campus, including learning the history of some of our most historic buildings, and viewing buildings currently under renovation. He also met with Spelman College leaders, current and incoming students in order to gain insight on supporting women of color in higher education through means of strengthening equity initiatives and career readiness programs.
“Having the Secretary of Education come to Spelman is so critical,” said Spelman President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH. “It gave him a chance to see our school, its excellence and understand the needs of Spelman and other HBCUs. He is a listener, so I think having him here gave him a deeper appreciation for the things that he can do to help us be even more successful in our mission.”
Prior to visiting Spelman, Cardona met with the presidents from the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC) and other Georgia HBCUs, where he learned more about the needs of HBCUs and how the Biden Administration can support them.
This past May, the Administration announced more than $16 billion of federal funds in support for HBCUs. Through continued efforts in supporting advancements of intergenerational economic mobility for Black families, both the Department and the Administration seek to uplift the Black community. Cardona also held a conversation with debt relief recipients.