A guest commentary by David Sypher, Jr.
When I think about the future of Black America, I don’t picture a world where fewer of us attend college, where fewer of us become doctors, lawyers, or engineers. I picture a future where more of us have access to opportunities—where more of us earn degrees from the institutions that have always been the backbone of our success: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
So, when I heard that the Trump administration is freezing funding for the USDA and suspended the 1890 Scholars Program, a critical USDA scholarship program aimed at helping Black students from underserved communities attend HBCUs, I couldn’t help but wonder: Who exactly are we hurting here?
Now, before anyone tries to call this a “handout,” let’s get something straight: these scholarships aren’t about charity—they’re about opportunity. And if there’s one thing conservatives should understand, it’s that opportunity is the engine that drives upward mobility. In fact, HBCUs are a goldmine when it comes to investing in future leaders, innovators, and hardworking Americans. Freezing scholarships for these students isn’t a “fiscal responsibility” move—it’s a textbook case of cutting off our noses to spite our faces.
HBCUs: The Economic Engines We Can’t Afford to Ignore
Let’s start with the basics: HBCUs are economic powerhouses. They represent just three percent of U.S. higher education institutions but educate 20% of all Black college graduates. In case anyone missed that, HBCUs are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to educating Black students—and they’re doing it on a budget that barely covers the cost of a Tesla’s paint job. According to a 2019 study by the UNCF, these institutions contribute a whopping 14.8 billion dollars to the U.S. economy every year. That’s not chump change. That’s the kind of return on investment that even Wall Street would applaud.
But the real kicker? These schools are a beacon for upward mobility. HBCU graduates are more likely to own homes, start businesses, and contribute to their communities. They aren’t just collecting degrees—they’re laying the foundation for generational wealth. And if that’s not the American Dream, I don’t know what is.
The Real Cost of Freezing HCBU Scholarships: Black Students Left Behind
So, here’s the question we should be asking ourselves: What happens if we freeze scholarships for these students? The simple answer is, we leave Black students behind. Period.
I’m not saying that private funding can’t play a role in helping students attend college. But let’s face it, in a country where the average Black family has only $17,150 in net worth (compared to $171,000 for White families), expecting students to solely rely on private scholarships and loans is nothing short of a pipe dream. We can’t afford to stand by while Black students who could change the world are stuck figuring out how to pay for school, or worse, giving up altogether.
The Conservative Case for Supporting HBCU Scholarships
Now, I know what some folks are thinking: “But isn’t the government overspending?” That’s where we have to pause and get real. Cutting these scholarships isn’t about cutting costs—it’s about cutting opportunities. Education is an investment, not an expense. When Black students graduate from HBCUs, they go on to become doctors, lawyers, scientists, and business owners who contribute to society in ways that actually lower government dependency. They make money, they create jobs, they pay taxes. That’s the definition of self-reliance. So, when you freeze funding for these scholarships, you’re not trimming the fat—you’re cutting a critical investment that will only cost society in the long run.
And let’s not forget, HBCUs aren’t just turning out any graduates—they’re producing future leaders. As a Black conservative, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have strong Black leadership in business, politics, and beyond. HBCUs are a breeding ground for leadership. Just look at the trailblazers they’ve produced: Kamala Harris, John Lewis, Stacey Abrams, and even countless entrepreneurs who go on to create jobs in our communities.
But What About the Budget?
Ah, yes—the budget. I hear you; I really do. Some may argue that freezing HCBU scholarships is necessary to curb federal spending. Sure, it’s easy to point to the dollar signs and say, “Look, we need to tighten our belts.” But here’s the thing: Cutting funding to HBCUs is a false economy. You know what’s actually a drag on the budget? The status quo. The rising cost of welfare, the costs associated with underemployment and unemployment, and the social costs of not investing in Black education. So, by cutting funding for HBCUs, we’re setting ourselves up for greater costs down the line. It’s the very opposite of fiscal responsibility.
The True Conservative Values: Opportunity, Self-Reliance, and a Stronger America
When I look at the numbers, the case for supporting HBCUs is clear: investing in these scholarships isn’t just good for Black students—it’s good for America. Education creates opportunities, and opportunities lead to prosperity. The idea that conservatives want to champion self-reliance and upward mobility means supporting policies that help level the playing field—not freezing scholarships that could help a student become the next CEO or scientist.
Instead of freezing critical funding for HBCUs, let’s expand it. Let’s pour money into programs that will prepare the next generation of Black leaders to take their rightful place in this country. Let’s invest in the very students who will go on to build the businesses, lead the movements, and create the innovations that make America great.
Conclusion: A Future We Can’t Afford to Miss
HBCUs have been helping to shape Black America for centuries, and now, at a time when opportunity is so often out of reach for underserved communities, we should be doubling down on our investment in them—not pulling back. Freezing HCBU scholarships isn’t just shortsighted; it’s a direct hit to the future of Black students who are poised to lead this country into its next chapter.
As a Black conservative, I believe in hard work, self-reliance, and opportunity for all. Freezing scholarships for HBCU students? Well, that’s the opposite of everything we stand for. Let’s not rob these students of the opportunity they deserve. After all, an investment in Black education is an investment in the future of us all.
David Sypher Jr. is a former Republican candidate for New Jersey state assemblyman for the 22nd Legislative District, and a former candidate for Rahway City Council. He is a political commentator and has been featured in publications such as NJ Style Ledger and Human Events.
