U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it would be awarding a $227.9 million grant to 97 historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The grants will go to HBCUs in 19 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Incidentally, majority of the colleges and universities awarded are in the south.

"HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said.

"The grants will help these important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality education they need to compete in the global economy."

The five-year grants are awarded as part of the nation-wide grant program aimed at strengthening HBCUs. They are a means for the universities and colleges to strengthen their academic resources, financial management systems, endowment-building capacity, and physical plants.

The department expects the universities and colleges to meet their academic and other needs by using the funds to cover activities such as curriculum reform; counseling and student service programs; establishing teacher education programs designed to qualify students to teach; acquiring real-estate property in connection with construction, renovations, or additions that may improve campus facilities; and funding faculty and staff development.

In addition, funds may be used for the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment and the development of academic instruction in disciplines in which African American representation is below the expected mark.

Largest grant to be received by a single university exceeds six million and goes to Florida A&M University. North Carolina A&T State University and St.Philip's College in Texas and Jackson State University in Mississippi will receive around five million each.

With 15 schools Alabama leads among the states with highest number of institutions receiving the grant. It is closely followed by North Carolina with 10 schools and Texas with nine schools.

Following is the break-up of grants in Texas-

  • Huston-Tillotson University - $1,985,989
  • Jarvis Christian College - $991,903
  • Paul Quinn College - $1,079,394
  • Prairie View A&M University - $4,334,301
  • SW Christian College - $250,000
  • St. Philip's College - $5,404,878
  • Texas College - $1,095,504
  • Texas Southern University - $4,438,376
  • Wiley College - $1,600,510

For individual state-wise break-up of the funds visit: U.S. Department of Education