Clean energy innovation fueling campuses and empowering communities
The Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) is an HBCU CDAC program dedicated to empowering the economic development of underserved communities by introducing and implementing clean energy solutions. Our
focus on renewable energy innovations for HBCU and MSI communities is designed to facilitate energy
efficiencies, job creation and business development opportunities for these targeted populations. In
addition to the environmental benefits that clean energy solutions bring to these communities,
increased economic opportunities specifically in the form of energy savings and job creation contribute
to improving the quality of life for the campuses, businesses, and residents in the communities that we
serve.
Our
Programs
A Renewed Focus on
Community Empowerment
Commercial
CDAC facilitates public-private engagement opportunities among HBCUs and MSIs and their host communities to engage federal, state, and local governments agencies and organizations to work alongside public and private industry partners to successfully develop and implement construction-related clean energy projects on HBCUs and MSIs campuses.
Community Solar
Millions of low- and moderate-income families face significant challenges in paying energy bills. The HBCU-CEI program reduces energy bills for property owners, increasing comfort and indoor health, while also creating employment opportunities for families that need them the most.
Residential
Households in underserved communities face disproportionate barriers to accessing clean energy. Despite several federal and state clean energy assistance programs, there are barriers to accessing these funds. In order to address these barriers, HBCU-CEI has launched a Residential/Community Solar Grant Fund which facilitates access to solar solutions for low income households, along with clean energy job creation and training.
We are especially proud to recognize Asociación de Residentes de La Margarita, Inc., Missoula’s Clean Energy Workforce Coalition, and Team Philly for their outstanding performance and additional awards. Keep up the great work!
Let's continue our efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Celebrating Clean Energy Success: HBCUs and MSIs Come Together for Sustainability
We are thrilled to announce the results of our recent competition where we brought together HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to pitch clean energy projects and raise awareness. The event took place at the Robert W. Woodruff Library in Atlanta University Center, and it was a collegial and productive environment. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and hard work from all the teams who participated.
Congratulations to the winning teams:
- Weku Inc. (Positive Energy Coalition)
- Change is in the Air: Gresham Coalition
- HBCU Community Development Action Coalition (www.hbcucoalition.org)
- ReBuildATL Coalition
- Missoula’s Clean Energy Workforce Coalition
- ROC Community Clean Energy Coalition
- Dream Entrepreneurs Network
- Team Philly
- New Orleans Clean Energy Collective
Leading the Way in Energy Efficiency
Meet the Clean energy initiative
Program Director
Karen is an accomplished Chairperson, CEO, CIO, visionary, and aspiring author. She has over 20 years of experience in renewable energy practices, leadership, strategy, communications, technology, and project management. Karen holds several certificates from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute and was named a Top 50 Entrepreneur by Business Leader Magazine. Karen’s background of working within both public and private organizations combined with her in-depth knowledge of clean energy will enable her to significantly increase CEI’s impact for all stakeholders.
Karen Soares
Our Impact
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Regional roundtables
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HBCU grants
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Participating HBCUs
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Partners and Stakeholders
Clean energy innovation fueling campuses and empowering communities