Board on Higher Education and Workforce & Committee on Defense Research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions 
Defense Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions 
Transitioning from Good Intentions to Measurable Outcomes

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority institutions (MIs) represent a valuable resource to expand the Department of Defense’s (Do D) government and extramural workforce and science and technology enterprise. The more than 400 public and private HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other two- and four-year MIs are positioned to make strong and uniquely important contributions to the defense research enterprise, offering Do D an opportunity to widen its talent pool and diversify STEM research and ultimately strengthen its ability to support national security.Defense Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions examines the status of Do D research at HBCUs and MIs, including the methods and means necessary to advance research capacity at these institutions in order to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States. This report offers recommendations to guide Do D, Congress, HBCU/MIs, and partnering entities in supporting and strengthening the role of these institutions in defense research. A strategic commitment will translate into increased opportunities for HBCU/MIs to diversify the future American academic, industrial, and government STEM workforce upon which Do D will depend.