Each year, Second Nature’s Catalyst Grants spark new and expanded climate action across member campuses by providing flexible funding to accelerate innovative projects, including decarbonization, climate resilience, and justice. This year’s eight awardees represent community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and public universities across the country, all launching creative, high-impact initiatives that advance climate solutions in their communities.
Meet the 2025 Catalyst Grant Awardees
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge will launch a Sustainability Micro-Certification Program featuring ten online courses and hands-on activities to expand climate literacy across the California State University system.
John Jay College – City University of New York (CUNY)
John Jay College – City University of New York will support student participation in global climate events like the Local Conference of Youth and the Conference of the Parties 30, alongside post-conference community engagement and training that brings global insights back to frontline communities.
Mesa Community College will enhance its Learning Greenhouse and Community Garden with climate-resilient upgrades that expand hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, student research, and community food security.
“Our mission is to: maintain a healthy wildflower garden for native pollinators and monarch butterflies; to help facilitate undergraduate research projects; and to provide a community space for learning about and appreciating nature.”
Savannah State University will establish a Clean Energy Policy Simulation Laboratory that provides students with real-world analytical experience assessing energy and climate policies.
State University of New York at Cortland will strengthen its partnership with Cortland ReUse to advance Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions accounting, expand waste reduction efforts, and promote the circular economy.
“Cortland ReUse is a pillar of sustainability and landfill diversion for the Cortland community, especially the State University of New York at Cortland… It is truly invaluable.” – Megan Swing
“Red Dragon ReUse is a rewarding initiative… It’s a great
collaboration where everyone wins!”
– Carrie Narrow
Texas Southern University will train undergraduate students through a campus Community Emergency Response Team program that builds disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity for the Texas Southern University community.
“The Bullard Center… is honored to be awarded Second Nature’s Catalyst Funding to develop a Historically Black College and University Campus Emergency Response Team… ready and equipped to assist climate-impacted communities.”
– Dr. Denae King
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will convert lignin, an abundant industrial byproduct, into sustainable porous carbons for clean-energy storage and green-chemistry catalysts, while providing hands-on research opportunities for students.
“By converting locally sourced agricultural waste into reusable catalysts and energy materials, University of North Carolina at Pembroke students are driving clean technology innovation and inclusive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics growth.”
– Drs. Marcus Hunt & Moira Lauer
Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana will expand its “Grow Local, Restore Coastal” native plant propagation program with greenhouse upgrades, student training, and community-centered workshops that strengthen ecological resilience.
“Receiving the Catalyst Grant allows us to accelerate Xavier’s conservation and sustainability goals… This investment strengthens our commitment to climate action and community engagement.”
– Helena Robinson
The 2025 Catalyst Grant recipients demonstrate the power of targeted investment to ignite meaningful climate action across higher education. From cutting-edge research and community resilience efforts to hands-on student learning and local environmental restoration, these projects showcase what is possible when institutions are supported in turning ambition into impact. Second Nature is proud to champion this work and looks forward to seeing these initiatives grow, inspire, and accelerate climate solutions nationwide.
