AACTE Member Institutions Awarded Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Grants for FY24

(October 4, 2024, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) is pleased to announce that the following 12 member institutions are FY24 grantees under the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program (Hawkins Program):

• CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation (California State University, Fullerton)
• East Central University
• Fort Lewis College
• National University
• North Carolina Central University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Sonoma State University
• Texas A&M University Kingsville
• Texas State University
• The University of Nevada-Las Vegas
• University Enterprises Corporation at CSUSB (California State University, San Bernardino)
• University of Colorado Denver

The Hawkins Program is one of several federal initiatives to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Tribal colleges or universities (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions (MSIs), such as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Hawkins program funds the expansion of high-quality teacher preparation programs at institutions that serve many students of color. These grants address the teacher shortage and will further diversify the teacher workforce.

AACTE advocated for the creation of the Hawkins Program, which was authorized in 2008, and has consistently called for it to be funded. AACTE applauds Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration for funding the Hawkins Program beginning in FY22 to invest in colleges and universities that make the preparation of diverse teachers a priority. AACTE urges Congress to continue to fund the Hawkins Program at the highest possible level in FY25.

“AACTE remains committed to advocating for these initiatives on Capitol Hill, recognizing their critical role in addressing the educator shortage and promoting diversity within our teacher workforce,” said Marta Perez Drake, interim president and CEO of AACTE. “By prioritizing these investments, we can work toward a more equitable and effective education system for all students.

The program is named for civil rights champion Rep. Augustus F. Hawkins (D-CA), who served in the California Assembly and for almost 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Hawkins authored Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among many other pieces of legislation, and was a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“The Hawkins Program is vital to advancing high-quality educator preparation across America,” said Jacqueline King, Ph.D., AACTE consultant for research, policy, and advocacy. “It not only provides real solutions to crucial shortages but also prioritizes inclusivity, creating pathways for people of color to enter the profession. Continued investment in these initiatives ensures a diverse and effective teaching workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities.”

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About AACTE

Established in 1948, AACTE is the leading voice in educator preparation. AACTE’s member institutions and programs prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. These professional educators are prepared for careers in PK-12 classrooms, colleges and universities, state and governmental agencies, policy institutes, and non-profit organizations. The AACTE alliance of colleges and universities and educator preparation programs collaborates with members and partners to advance the field of education by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and engaging in research-based inquiry, advocacy, and innovative practice. Learn more at aacte.org.