In addition to the educational programs already provided for and funded by the state, financial support may also be provided for the organization, operation and continuation of the Tennessee HBCU consortium. Funding for the consortium shall be in an amount appropriated by the general assembly, and the appropriation shall be expended for the equitable benefit of or distributed by the consortium in equal amounts to the HBCU institutions participating in the consortium to be used exclusively for meeting the key objectives of the consortium and the Tennessee HBCU technology partnership.