Southern Company Foundation Awards $3M for HBCU Endowed Professorships

Core Insights - The Southern Company Endowed Professorships in Sustainability awarded $500,000 in matching grants to four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), totaling $3 million awarded to six HBCUs since the initiative's inception [1][5] Group 1: Initiative Overview - The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI) is funded by the Southern Company Foundation and aims to empower HBCU students in sustainability [2][6] - The initiative is a collaboration among INROADS, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) [2] Group 2: Grant Utilization - Hampton University will enhance its Center for Atmospheric Sciences to tackle global issues like air quality and climate change [4] - Morehouse College plans to expand its Center for Sustainability and Innovation and introduce a Sustainability minor [4] - Tennessee State University will initiate a new sustainability program, including a certificate program and a minor [4] - Virginia State University will focus on AI-driven agricultural research and climate-smart solutions [5] Group 3: Broader Impact - HBCU SCI has provided various support mechanisms such as paid internships, scholarships, mentoring, research fellowships, and career coaching to students across multiple states [5]