(AGENPARL) – mer 31 luglio 2024 Issued: Jul 31, 2024 (1:45pm EDT)
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EPA Announces New Initiatives to Strengthen HBCU Engagement and Environmental
Partnerships
Latest actions build on EPA Administrator Regan’s commitment to deliver real
results for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and surrounding
communities
WASHINGTON – Today, July 31, at the United Negro College Fund’s UNITE 2024
Summit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan
unveiled the latest actions under the Agency’s comprehensive engagement plan
with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  Later this year,
EPA will launch a $2.5 million competitive grant opportunity to support HBCUs
and partners. EPA will also appoint a permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement
Liaison within the Administrator’s Office, as well as the founding members
of EPA’s first-ever HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council. These actions deliver
on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government investment efforts
in HBCUs and reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower
students and support the communities that HBCUs serve. 
“HBCUs produce some of the best and brightest minds our country has to
offer,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “At every level of this
Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, HBCU graduates are
delivering real results, and we’re more committed than ever to partnering
and empowering HBCU students and leaders across the country. At EPA, HBCUs
have a permanent seat at our table, so that these institutions remain at the
forefront of the environmental movement.” 
$2.5 Million Competitive Grant Opportunity 
EPA is establishing a $2.5 million competitive grant opportunity to support
collaboration among students and faculty from HBCUs. This program will focus
on funding projects that advance workforce development, environmental
education, and capacity building. It will also support community projects
addressing environmental justice, climate change, water quality, and land
health on campuses and in surrounding communities. A Notice of Funding
Opportunity for this grant is expected to be issued in early October. 
Permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement Liaison 
EPA will appoint a permanent HBCU Outreach and Engagement Liaison within the
Administrator’s Office. This liaison will advise on initiatives related to
HBCUs, ensuring these institutions are fully informed about EPA resources,
funding opportunities, and engagement activities. The liaison will also
facilitate coordination within EPA, maintaining a resource repository for both
internal and external stakeholders. This appointment is a direct result of
EPA’s commitment to turning bold promises into real results. 
HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council 
EPA will announce the inaugural members of its first-ever HBCU-MSI Federal
Advisory Council. The council will offer strategic advice on leveraging the
expertise within HBCU-MSIs to advance EPA’s mission and support these
institutions. The council will deliver independent recommendations on
enhancing the participation of HBCU-MSIs in federal programs and diversifying
EPA’s workforce. Selections for the council will be announced by Fall 2024,
featuring representatives from academia, industry, community organizations,
and local governments nationwide.   
Background 
HBCUs play a critical role in producing influential leaders and addressing
environmental challenges. EPA has emphasized the importance of collaborating
with HBCUs to support their communities and empower their students to engage
in environmental and climate action. Our visits to HBCUs have involved hosting
roundtables and dialogues, directly engaging with students, faculty, and other
stakeholders about the vital role these institutions play in their
communities. 
During Administrator Regan’s Journey to Justice Tour, leaders from Jackson
State University, Tougaloo College, and Texas Southern University highlighted
the need for greater opportunities for students to gain environmental field
experience and for increased federal funding to address environmental
challenges in vulnerable communities. These discussions have reinforced EPA’s
commitment to nurturing future environmental leaders and delivering real
results from bold promises. 
In 2022, EPA established an internal advisory council to strengthen
relationships with HBCUs. This council has identified enhanced opportunities
for student recruitment and support through grants, contracts, transparent
data sharing, and community engagement, which has informed our engagement plan
with HBCUs and the announcements made today. 
HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are pivotal in producing Black
and minority graduates, particularly in STEM fields. Despite their significant
contributions, these institutions face systemic barriers to accessing federal
programs and resources. HBCUs often serve underserved communities, providing
essential opportunities for economic mobility and academic advancement. 
For additional information on this grant and the three project areas, please
visit EPA’s HBCU Engagement webpage.
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