A security meeting was held between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan. The meeting was to discuss national security partnerships, graduate recruitment and campus security. 

HBCU presidents shared their desire to expand partnerships with federal agencies to support research and improve curriculums to meet national security needs. HBCU presidents discussed ongoing work connected to critical national security topics including data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, nano-technology, energy systems and international affairs. HBCU presidents also shared their commitment to update their curriculums in criminal justice programs and humanities programs to include topics on security studies and factors that can contribute to mobilization to violence.  

HBCU presidents also spoke about security challenges facing their institutions, most notably the challenges and concerns associated with recent bomb threats against HBCUs. Sullivan discussed existing U.S. Government resources available to campuses to help to bolster their preparedness and resilience against both physical and cyberattacks.

Sullivan also spoke to HBCU leaders about existing efforts to recruit talent from HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. The Administration is addressing some of the challenges that can prevent students from entering national security professions, including steps such as improving hiring timelines; expanding paid internships and student loan repayment and broadening fellowships.