Background information and policy issues regarding programs for the support of the historically black colleges are presented. The unique characteristics, qualities, and contributions of these black institutions are reviewed, and the implications of the Adams v. Califano case are discussed. Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 established the federal program that supports developing institutions through grants-in-aid. The Adams v. Califano decision requires compliance with desegregation legislation and stipulates that states with dual systems of higher education should enhance historically black public colleges. It is noted that for some minority students, it is not clear that a totally integrated institution is educationally the most beneficial or productive environment. Five strategies to be considered in developing programs of support for institutions are as follows: (1) continue the present Title III program; (2) intensify the focus of Title III for the support of the historically black colleges; (3) eliminate the set-aside for community and junior colleges; (4) add an endowment component to Title III; and (5) provide low income and minority student-based collegiate opportunity grants. Appended are the legislative history and funding history of the Title III program, Title III program characteristics, a listing of historically black colleges and universities that are still predominantly black, and a list of newer predominantly black colleges. (SW)