Heritage Legacy Act

This legislation creates a federal grant program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) . Beginning in fiscal year 2027, these grants will enable HBCUs to offer direct scholarships to undergraduate students who are determined to be descendants of individuals enslaved in the United States. The grant amount for each HBCU will equal the total annual tuition for all qualified students enrolled, ensuring full tuition coverage for eligible recipients for up to 12 semesters. To qualify for these scholarships, students must provide specific documentation, such as United States census records from before October 3, 1965, listing ancestors with classifications like "African American" or "Slave," or other authorized proof demonstrating at least one-quarter genetic attribution to an enslaved individual. The bill appropriates funds for this program, reserving 5 percent for verification processes and administrative costs incurred by HBCUs. Furthermore, these scholarships will be excluded when calculating a student's aid index for other federal financial assistance, preventing a reduction in other aid.