(a)
Authorization; purposes; application
The Secretary is authorized to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher education, or combinations of such institutions, to assist them in planning, developing, strengthening, improving, or carrying out programs or projects
(1)
for the preparation of graduate or professional students in the fields of city and regional planning and management, housing, and urban affairs, or
(2)
for research into, or development or demonstration of, improved methods of education for these professions. Such grants or contracts may include payment of all or part of the cost of programs or projects.