Howard University Wins Second U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Prize

Howard University has won its second Clean Energy Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy, securing $400,000 in partnership with Drexel University to advance clean energy programming for Howard students. This achievement marks the second win for a team led by Professor Carlton Waterhouse, director of the Environmental and Climate Justice Center at Howard University School of Law.

“The HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize is a critical step in building stronger collaborations between HBCUs and the clean energy sector,” said Waterhouse. “Howard University is at the forefront of environmental justice, and this prize enables us to continue developing solutions that address climate change while ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from clean energy advancements. We are proud of our students and faculty and excited for the next phase.”

The Howard team includes Professors Janelle Burke from the Department of Earth, Environment, and Equity; Nea Maloo from the College of Engineering and Architecture; and Amy Quarkume from the Center for Data Science and Analytics. Drexel’s team features Vice-Provost Mathy Stanislaus, Senior Director Hugh Johnson from the Environmental Collaboratory, along with Professors Antonio Martinez-Molina and Mira Olson. This collaboration builds on a $100,000 phase one prize the team won earlier this year.

“The interdisciplinary approach of the Howard team is key to our success," Waterhouse noted. "By bringing together expertise from law, biology, engineering, architecture, and Afro-American studies, we are offering students a comprehensive understanding of the intersections between energy, the environment, and justice. Our faculty and Drexel professors will lead workshops alongside industry experts, providing students with hands-on experience in clean energy fields.”

Howard is recruiting undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from diverse programs such as law, environmental studies, engineering, data science, sociology, and more. The workshops, scheduled for October 19 (virtual), November 16 (virtual), and April 4-5 (in-person at Drexel), will build a cross-disciplinary student cohort dedicated to solving energy problems. In the spring of 2025, Howard students and faculty will travel to Drexel for a design and development competition, working collaboratively with Drexel participants.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in promoting clean energy while fostering sustainable development in their communities. The recognition reflects Howard University's deep commitment to addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice through innovative partnerships.

Advancing to Phase 3 is a significant milestone for both Howard and Drexel as they continue to work on sustainable and equitable energy solutions. Howard remains dedicated to fostering clean energy initiatives that benefit both the university and the communities it serves.

For more information, email huduenergyjustice@howard.edu.