The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI) has announced results of the second cycle of the Southern Company Endowed Professorships in Sustainability, awarding $500,000 in matching grants to four historically Black colleges and universities: Hampton University, Morehouse College, Tennessee State University, and Virginia State University. The first cycle awardees were Clark Atlanta University and Stillman College, each receiving $500,000 for a grand total of $3 million awarded to the six HBCUs.

Funded by the Southern Company Foundation, HBCU SCI is a collaborative initiative led by INROADS, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Its mission is to empower students at HBCUs in Southern Company’s service areas with the awareness, skills, and opportunities to become informed leaders in building more sustainable communities.

The Sustainability Professorship Grant is designed to enhance HBCU capacity in sustainability-related academic programs and research. On-campus check presentations will be held during the 2025–2026 academic year to honor each institution.

Grantee Highlights

• Hampton University plans to strengthen its Center for Atmospheric Sciences to address global issues in air quality, climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice.

• Morehouse College will expand its Center for Sustainability and Innovation and establish a Sustainability minor.

• Tennessee State University will launch a new sustainability program, including a certificate program and a minor.

• Virginia State University will use the grant to advance AI-driven agricultural research and climate-smart solutions.

“The Southern Company Foundation is excited to support HBCUs through these endowed professorships,” said Myra Bierria, Foundation President. “This initiative reflects our belief in education as a catalyst for real-world solutions to sustainability opportunities.”

Through this initiative, HBCU SCI has already provided paid internships, scholarships, mentoring, research fellowships, and career coaching to students across HBCUs in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia.

For full statements from participating institutions on the impact of this grant and their plans moving forward, please visit Grantee Highlights.