WASHINGTON — Six Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Louisiana are set to receive $14.2 million in U.S. Department of Education funding, Sen. John Kennedy announced Wednesday.

Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the money will go toward helping students build skills and expand opportunities across the state.

"Education is the key to unlocking Louisiana's future. This $14.2 million will help our HBCUs give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and build a better future right here in our state," Kennedy said.

The funding is broken down across six schools. Dillard University will receive $1.5 million, and Grambling State University will receive $2.9 million.

Southern University A&M College will receive $3.3 million, the largest single allocation. Southern University at New Orleans and Xavier University will each receive $2.5 million.

Southern University in Shreveport will receive $1.5 million.

According to Kennedy's office, the funding is meant to support the schools as they educate students, strengthen the state's workforce and expand economic opportunity for Louisianians.