To Give every Pennsylvanian the Freedom to
Chart their own course and the Opportunity to Succeed
CHEYNEY, PA, August 2, 2024 – Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin were joined by state and local legislators, higher education leaders, and students at Cheyney University for a ceremonial bill signing of the higher education reforms that Governor Shapiro signed into law as part of the 2024-25 budget.
The 2024-25 budget makes the first significant progress on higher education in three decades. It delivers on the Governor’s key priorities to give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their course and the opportunity to succeed. Thanks to the investments in the budget, Cheyney University is set to receive an additional $992,500 for next year, bringing their total state appropriation to more than $21.7 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed — and that’s exactly what this budget delivers,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration has made higher education a priority again, and this budget represents the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years. We’re developing a new vision for higher education — one focused on competitiveness and workforce development, grounded in access and affordability. That vision places an emphasis on Pennsylvania’s HBCUs — like Cheyney — so they can continue to open doors to opportunity for Pennsylvania students for generations to come.”
Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, Cheyney University is the oldest of all historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. In 1983, Cheyney University became a part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
“Pennsylvania’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, like Cheyney, produce nearly 20 percent of all African American college graduates, and nearly 25 percent of all African American STEM graduates — and it is critical that we invest in these institutions so they can continue to prepare learners for the jobs of the future,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “The Shapiro Administration takes that commitment seriously and is making progress for the first time in decades — building a stronger higher education system that meets Pennsylvania’s long-term needs and makes higher education more affordable for more students.”
In his first budget address, Governor Shapiro called on state leaders to rethink higher education in the Commonwealth. Over the past year and a half, the Shapiro Administration brought together stakeholders, legislators, higher education leaders, union members, students, families, and more to have meaningful conversations about higher education in Pennsylvania and to build on the Administration’s blueprint.
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