Dillard is among the inaugural prize winners in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Prize partnership track announced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize to help develop advanced clean energy programming opportunities and connections for HBCUs across the United States.
The Phase 1, $100,000 award is to foster collaborations between HBCUs and other universities, government agencies, and industry leaders. The purpose of the Awareness to Transformation (A2T) program is an initiative that will work with internal and external stakeholders to improve student outcomes through learning about clean energy. These partnerships aim to establish innovative programs and offer professional opportunities to equip HBCU students with the skills required to thrive in the clean sector. As part of the project’s application, the team worked to create a short video explaining the program.
Chief Transformation Officer and Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Prince, and Director of Sustainability Kem Opperman-Torres played key roles in securing this funding.
“Dillard University will be a leader in clean energy development on our campus and in the Southeast Louisiana region through awards like this one” said Dr. Prince.
This work further supports the goals of the student organization, Bleu Green Krewe, which Kem Opperman-Torres advises. Through the Bleu Green Krewe, Dillard University is advancing environmental literacy and fostering a sense of stewardship towards the planet and future generations. By promoting sustainable practices and encouraging dialogue around innovative solutions, the university can make a lasting impact on the environment and the broader community.
Opperman-Torres added, “We are moving forward on the path to bring clean energy education to our students with the help of our incredible partners.”
About the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize
In Phase 1 of the Partnerships Track, 10 HBCUs were each awarded $100,000 for their impressive work building partnerships to develop new clean energy programming and professional opportunities for HBCU students.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
