JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- After years of delay, members of the state's College Board will try to raise $34 million in private money to endow the Mississippi's three historically black universities.
The board pledged to raise a $35 million endowment over seven years for Alcorn State, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State when the Ayers discrimination case was settled in 2004.
So far, the only money raised is $1 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Ed Blakeslee, president of the College Board, made the announcement during the board's meeting Thursday.
The private endowment is meant to supplement $70 million in public money that is being set aside. Investment income from both the public and private endowments is supposed to be used to increase the presence of non-black students and enhance academic programs.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
