[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 68292-68293] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-34070] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Notice of a Cooperative Agreement With the Association of Hispanic Colleges and Universities The Office of Minority Health (OMH), Office of Public Health and Science, announces that it will enter into an umbrella cooperative agreement with the Association of Hispanic Colleges and Universities (HACU). This cooperative agreement will establish the broad programmatic framework in which specific projects can be funded as they are identified during the project period. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to assist HACU to expand and exchange its activities relevant to health issues affecting the Hispanic community in areas such as development of member colleges and universities, improving access to and the quality of postsecondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students, and meeting the needs of business, industry, health and government through linkages and expertise. It is anticipated that future activities will focus on programs and policies aimed at improving the overall educational and health status of Hispanics in order to eliminate the educational gaps which exist between Hispanics and others. OMH will provide consultation, including administrative and technical assistance as needed, for the execution and evaluation of all aspects of this cooperative agreement. OMH will also participate and/or collaborate with the awardee in any workshops or symposia to exchange current information, opinions, and research findings during this agreement. Authorizing Legislation This cooperative agreement is authorized under Section 1707(d)(1) of the Public Health Service Act. Background Recognizing the importance of the educational needs of our Nation's Hispanic community, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12900, Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, on February 22, 1994. This Executive Order set in motion a process for interagency collaboration to identify and correct the shortcomings of the educational system serving Hispanic Americans. In keeping with the intent of the Executive Order, the Office of Minority Health will enter into a cooperative agreement with HACU. Assistance will be provided only to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. HACU is the national association of institutions of higher education representing 127 Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI), specifically nonprofit, accredited colleges and universities where Hispanic students constitute a minimum of 25% of the total enrollment. No other applications are solicited. HACU is the only organization capable of administering this cooperative agreement because it: 1. Developed and established an infrastructure to coordinate and implement various educational program initiatives to support activities of HSIs of higher education; 2. Established the information sharing capability among the HSIs and adapted for the development of policy recommendations for legislators and policy makers in government, corporations, foundations, and the media; 3. Provides technical assistance and other support to member institutions to obtain grants, contracts, and other financial support; 4. Sponsors national workshops, seminars and conferences on topics specific to the concerned institutions, targeting those activities which enhance Hispanic students and aiding their successful graduation rates; 5. Provides a specialized research capability in organizational characteristics and factors which contribute to Hispanic educational success; 6. Established memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Department of Commerce, Interior, Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture, as well as with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Bureau of Land Management, thereby creating partnerships with Federal agencies to diversify their work force; 7. Demonstrated experience in assisting Federal agencies to partner with HSIs to operate a National Internship Program for Hispanic college students; and [[Page 68293]] 8. Has extensive experience in managing a Hispanic Education Leadership Fund for Hispanic students. This cooperative agreement will be awarded in FY 1998 for a 12- month budget period within a project period of 5 years. Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress and the availability of funds. Where To Obtain Additional Information If you are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this project, contact Guadalupe Pacheco, Office of Minority Health, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1000, Rockville, Maryland 20852 or telephone (301) 443-5084. Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number. The CFDA number is 93.004 Dated: December 17, 1997. Clay E. Simpson, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health. [FR Doc. 97-34070 Filed 12-30-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-17-M