The U.S. Department of Education has awarded historically Black Hampton University a $4.9M grant to establish an interdisciplinary climate science degree program.
The grants are being provided under the Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) program and the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program. The RDI program provides funds to HBCUs, TCCUs, and MSIs to transform their research infrastructure, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical infrastructure, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding. The PSSG program aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion, by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.
“Creating opportunities for students of color and other underserved students to succeed in today’s most cutting-edge fields has never mattered more,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
This transformative funding is designated to propel Hampton University to R2 status through the establishment of an innovative interdisciplinary climate science degree program.
Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University, stated that ‘this funding will empower us to establish a world-class program that integrates diverse perspectives and disciplines to address the challenges posed by climate change. While aligning with our strategic plan and mission of providing innovative doctoral programs in the STEM field, fostering the next generation of leaders in climate research.”
The Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program will bring together experts from various fields, fostering collaboration between meteorologists, environmental scientists, data analysts, and more. Students enrolled in the program will gain hands-on experience through the National Center for Climate Modeling Research, contributing to cutting-edge research and addressing pressing climate issues.
