HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize Partnerships 

We are less than two months away from the U.S. Department of Energy ‘s HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize Partnerships Track’s Dec. 19, 2023, submission deadline. The Partnerships Track will award $6.75 million to up to 10 winning HBCUs that build partnerships with other universities, government agencies, or industry leaders to develop new clean energy-focused programs and professional opportunities. The submission is as simple as a 90-second video, a written cover page and narrative about the partnership, and letters of support. If your HBCU is interested in competing, the prize website has resources to help you get started, including contact information for organizations interested in partnering with HBCUs. The prize is open to all HBCUs in the United States and U.S. territories. Visit herox.com/hbcu for more information and reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Visit the official prize page to learn more: herox.com/hbcu

A growing clean energy economy presents an opportunity to include those that have been historically underrepresented in the clean energy industry.​ The Partnerships Track awards up to $6.75 million to support the development of partnerships between HBCUs and other universities, government agencies, and industry leaders to inform new programs and provide professional opportunities that will equip HBCU students with the skills needed to succeed in clean energy careers. 

Phases

The Partnerships Track is comprised of three phases. For more information on the Partnerships Track phases, please read the official rules document.

• Phase 1: Competitors will develop a plan of action, provide evidence of partnership commitment, describe the goals and benefits of partnerships, and discuss how the partnerships will positively impact HBCU students. Up to 10 HBCU winners will each win a $100,000 cash award and be eligible to compete in Phase 2.
• Phase 2: Competitors will showcase how they were able to implement their plans, advance their partnerships, and successfully develop new programming that will help provide improved educational and career opportunities to HBCU students. Up to 10 HBCU winners will split a total prize pool of up to $4,000,000 and be eligible to compete in Phase 3.
• Phase 3: Competitors will provide further updates on the implementation of their partnerships and programming. Up to three HBCU winners will split a total prize pool of up to $1,750,000.

Eligibility

All HBCUs in the United States and U.S. territories are eligible to apply to one or both tracks.

Partners

Organizations interested in partnering with HBCUs in the Partnerships Track to provide or develop educational or professional opportunities can reach out to HBCUs directly or fill out the Resource Partners Interest Form to have their contact information posted to the official prize page. Organizations that fill out the Resource Partners Interest Form will be invited to present at the Partnerships Track Resource Partners Webinar in early October. Organizations do not have to fill out the Resource Partners Interest Form to partner with HBCUs for the prize.