Houston, TX — The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University proudly announces the launch of the 2026 HBCU Environmental Justice Climate Corps (EJCC) Summer Program. This summer, the Center will convene 20 students from 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a five-week immersive program focused on climate justice, community resilience, and public health.
From June 1st through July 2nd, participants will take part in hands-on learning experiences including field visits to communities disproportionately affected by environmental and climate challenges. These experiences are reinforced through data-driven analysis, community engagement, and direct interaction with environmental and climate justice practitioners, scholars, and advocates.
“We are especially pleased to welcome the fourth cohort of the HBCU Environmental Justice Climate Corps to the Bullard Center at TSU and to Houston. It is important that we keep the promise we made to the program’s first group of HBCU EJCC students: that we would secure the funding and resources needed so future cohorts can gain experience using science, research, data, and facts—paired with action—to drive lasting, transformative change,” states Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Director of the Bullard Center and the “father of environmental justice.”
At a time when environmental and climate justice initiatives face shifting political priorities and growing pressure nationally, the EJCC program represents a continued and expanding investment in preparing the next generation of leaders to address inequities at the intersection of environment, health, and community resilience.
“The HCU Environmental Justice Climate Corps was a truly eye-opening experience that introduced me to climate justice and expanded my vision for the future,” said Sincere Harrison, a member of the 2025 EJCC cohort and recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University. He added, “Traveling across Houston and seeing how communities respond to both natural and man-made disasters gave me a deeper understanding of environmental justice in action.”
The 2026 cohort builds on the program’s ongoing momentum and impact as part of the Bullard Center’s broader commitment to advancing environmental and climate justice through education, research, and community engagement.
“By centering the experience around historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the program equips students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage in discussions and learn how to recognize and address systemic racism, climate vulnerabilities, and environmental disparities that disproportionately impact people of color,” said Youth Program Coordinator Vonda Lackey.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Macquarie Group Foundation.
“We are honored to continue supporting the work of the Bullard Center and the EJCC summer program, an initiative that empowers students from HBCUs to engage directly with some of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges facing communities today,” said Pritha Mittal, Regional Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation for the Americas. “By combining academic learning with real-world experience, this program is helping equip the next generation of leaders with the tools, perspectives and networks needed to drive meaningful and lasting change. Alongside our people, the Macquarie Group Foundation is committed to investing in programs that expand opportunity and strengthen community resilience, and we look forward to seeing the impact this year’s cohort will have in the years ahead.”
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS
· Dr. Robert D. Bullard (“father of environmental justice”)
· Student participants (including local/HBCU representation)
· Bullard Center leadership
Media Contact:
DeJonique G. Baptiste
Assistant Director of Communications
dejonique.baptiste@tsu.edu