Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The Department of Transportation focuses on Expanding Access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to promoting innovation and transformative change responsive to a nation of diverse stakeholders. To this end, DOT recognizes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) among the nation’s institutions of higher education that have been historically underutilized sources for human capital, research, and unique socio-cultural considerations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made significant strides in our HBCU engagements and outcomes. The 11 Operating Administrations (OAs) or Modes within DOT have actively increased outreach and engagement with the nation’s 107 HBCUs to diversify its expertise, be purposeful in its innovation, and foster greater partnerships and collaboration. These efforts emerge through the growing critical mass of DOT employees who are HBCU alumni, compelled by a personal and professional appreciation for the often-untapped human capital produced by these institutions – talent and potential that can be an invaluable asset to DOT as it seeks to be more inclusive in its policy development, research, and technological innovations designed to serve an increasingly diverse population.

These efforts are spearheaded by the Departmental Office of Civil Rights (DOCR) and emerge through affinity groups organized around this purpose – the HBCU Employee Resource Group (ERG) and HBCU Coordinators embedded across the respective OAs.

Featured Links