Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are playing a critical role today in helping America overcome a looming shortage of scientists and engineers who are vital to the nation's future economic growth and competitiveness. Despite meager funding and a lack of public recognition, these educational institutions are producing a large share of the nation's African American graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Against the odds, HBCUs have proven that they are ready and able to increase African-American graduates in the sciences. The nation now must invest more in science and science education programs at HBCUs. Scientists in all disciplines at traditionally white universities and public facilities should look for new ways to build mutually beneficial partnerships with HBCUs and to expand opportunities for HBCU undergraduates to have "graduate-level" internships during summers. These efforts will benefit HBCUs and their students, but equally importantly, they will build future potential for the nation's economic growth and for the vitality of the science communities. (Contains 3 footnotes.)