FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bari Samad, Communications & Marketing Director, Second Nature
[email protected]
Eleven Colleges and Universities Receive $75,000 in Catalyst Grants from Second Nature to Support Climate Action Projects
Up to $7,500 awarded to each institution during Campus Sustainability Month
Cambridge, Massachusetts (October 30, 2024) – Second Nature, a national nonprofit committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education, proudly announces the recipients of eleven Catalyst Grants totaling $75,000. These grants are designed to ignite climate action initiatives focusing on decarbonization, resilience, and climate justice on campuses and their surrounding communities.
With funding from America Is All In, the Catalyst Grants provide financial support to Climate Leadership Network member institutions. Now in its fifth year, the program places a distinct emphasis on awarding at least one grant to an HBCU, Tribal College, or Community College for projects that tackle clean energy, environmental justice, climate resilience, green infrastructure, and carbon reduction—key priorities aligned with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Schools awarded the grants will receive recognition across Second Nature’s communication channels and have the opportunity to present their projects at the 2025 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
“Second Nature is honored to provide eleven colleges and universities with Catalyst Grants totaling $75,000 to support their leadership in creating climate solutions,” said Tim Carter, President of Second Nature. “These projects represent a significant step forward in accelerating climate action across a range of institutions, including HBCUs, and Community Colleges, in alignment with priorities found in the IRA. The commitment and innovation demonstrated by this year’s applicants underscore the urgency of addressing climate challenges. Congratulations to the grant recipients, and thank you to all Second Nature member institutions who continue to champion equitable climate solutions on campuses and within local communities.”
2024 Catalyst Grant Recipients:
Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI): Andrews University plans to develop a pilot hydroelectric project using the St. Joseph River to generate clean energy, producing about 14 kWh daily and reducing carbon emissions by 4,395 lbs annually. Andrews University will advance its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by partnering with the neighboring underserved community of Benton Harbor. Together, they will educate community members on utilizing clean energy from the St. Joseph River, aiming to reduce electricity costs and promote sustainable economic growth.
Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA): Bellevue College’s updated Climate Action Plan includes Fleet Decarbonization planning, targeting campus vehicles and fossil-fuel equipment. Catalyst grant funds will be used to replace small gas-powered grounds equipment with electric alternatives, reducing emissions, improving staff working conditions and air quality, and addressing equity issues.
Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA): The university plans to introduce a “Climate Finance” course for junior BBA to first-year MBA students, covering topics like carbon markets and sustainable investment. The course aims to boost diversity in climate finance by offering internships with partners such as US Bank, providing students with hands-on experience and skills for industry success.
Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA): Student leaders from Drexel University’s Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and the Environmental Collaboratory will use Catalyst grant funds to hire, train, and support a cohort of students to spearhead the establishment of climate change education as a core competency across the university.
George Washington University (Washington, DC): George Washington University aims to boost the use of its Capital Bikeshare partnership, promoting cycling as a sustainable alternative to electric scooters and rideshares to reduce campus carbon emissions.
New York University (New York, NY): New York University’s Sustainability Leaders Fellowship is a year-long program that trains students in climate advocacy, environmental justice, and sustainability careers through workshops, skills development, and hands-on projects, while fostering collaboration across disciplines and preparing fellows to tackle sustainability challenges at NYU.
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA): Temple University’s project aims to address lung cancer disparities in North Philadelphia by investigating the critical connection between air quality and health outcomes, empowering residents with data, and promoting air quality solutions through community engagement, advocacy, and targeted public health interventions, with a focus on environmental justice and equity.
UMass Chan Medical School (Worcester, MA): UMass Chan Medical School plans to establish a replicable environmental justice (EJ) framework across the UMass system by engaging the campus community, creating a Resource Guide, developing a digital EJ platform, identifying local EJ populations, and building foundational programming to support long-term system-wide action.
University at Albany (Albany, NY): University at Albany plans to continue to support the EarthQuest game, integral to the University at Albany’s Urban Café Day initiative, which engages undergraduate students and local youth from disadvantaged communities in climate resilience efforts through game-based learning and urban tree planting projects, while promoting environmental justice and sustainability.
University of California, Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA): UCSC plans to support two Sustainability & Environmental Justice Ambassador (SEJA) student workers who will enhance environmental justice visibility and understanding on campus through peer education, design accessible educational modules, collaborate with local organizations, and organize events such as the People, Plant, Power Summit to foster community engagement and leadership development.
University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO): The University of Colorado Boulder aims to strengthen climate justice efforts by mapping key organizations, creating a centralized engagement platform, and developing culturally responsive educational materials to enhance coordination, reduce duplication, and provide equitable access to opportunities for traditionally excluded students and community members.
For more details on the 2024 Catalyst Grant Recipients and their projects, visit Second Nature’s website.
###
About Second Nature:
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. By mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, Second Nature scales campus climate initiatives and creates innovative climate solutions. Learn more at secondnature.org.
