Summary

Establishes a new Department of Education competitive grant program to fund Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for arts education activities that expand access for racial minorities. Grants may pay for student financial aid, outreach, wraparound supports, exhibitions and collection care, paid apprenticeships/internships/fellowships, stipends for clinical experiences, mentoring, mentor-teacher training, and professional learning. Defines key terms, including a cross-reference definition of "minority-serving institution" to the list of eligible MSIs in federal law, requires MSIs to apply under rules set by the Secretary of Education, asks MSIs to prioritize uses that directly benefit minority students, and authorizes “such sums as may be necessary” for the program.

• Creates a new competitive grant program at the Department of Education for Minority-Serving Institutions focused on arts education.
• Grants can fund student aid, outreach, wraparound services, exhibitions and collection care, paid apprenticeships/internships/fellowships, mentoring, and professional learning.
• Applicants must be MSIs as defined by existing federal statute; the bill cross-references that statutory list.
• The Secretary of Education sets application form, timing, and other program details.
• Authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" but does not specify a funding level or appropriation schedule.
• Requires MSIs to give special consideration to grant uses that directly benefit minority students.
• Includes congressional findings on arts value, workforce diversity gaps in museums, and threats to arts programs in higher education.
• Does not change existing definitions in higher education law; it uses the current MSI categories for eligibility.