Albany State awarded Clean Energy Education Prize grant

ALBANY – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr., D-Ga., announced last week that Albany State University has been awarded a $100,000 Clean Energy Education Prize grant that will support partnerships between HBCUs and other universities, government agencies, and industry leaders to build new programs and provide professional opportunities to succeed in the clean energy industry.

“I am proud to announce that Albany State University is one of 10 HBCUs nationwide that has been awarded a Phase 1 grant of $100,000 to expand its partnerships and programs that will support greater opportunities for students to succeed in the clean energy industry,” Bishop said in a news release. “Thanks to federal investments, along with the great work being done at the state and local levels, Georgians have become industry and manufacturing leaders related to clean energy – from electric vehicles to incorporating solar power into our electric grid.

“Keeping at the cutting edge of energy technology is key to Georgia’s continued success, and this award is making sure we tap all the potential our state has to offer.”

“At DOE, we see time and again that nothing fuels innovation like the power of diversity,” Jeff Marootian, principal associate/principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said. “Supporting these winning universities’ work to expand STEM opportunities for minority students is an investment in our nation’s clean energy future that will benefit all Americans.”

The HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize — a part of DOE’s American-Made Challenges — comprises two tracks. The Inspire Track is focused on developing HBCU-hosted clean energy summer or academic break programs for K-12 and community college students, while the Partnerships Track is focused on expanding curriculum and resources for undergraduate and graduate HBCU students.

A total prize pool of $6.75 million will be awarded over the course of the Partnerships Track, which spans three phases. Phase 1 winners will be eligible to split a prize pool of $4 million based on the strength of their project progress at the conclusion of Phase 2 this summer. Phase 3 will follow and conclude in January 2025 when up to three winners will split a $1.75 million prize pool in recognition of overall impact.

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