The 2024 HBCU Environmental Justice Climate Corps (EJCC) Summer Program began on June 3, 2024.  Twenty-one (21) students representing 10 HBCUs were selected to participate in the six-week residential program hosted by the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University.  

When asked why they wanted to participate in the program, Spelman student, Logan Payne, answered, "To learn more about the impact of Texas' unique legislation and policy on communities experiencing environmental injustice."

Texas Southern student, Javion Cox, added that he "Expects to be more educated and be an engaged community member who is able to advocate for the policies needed to curb issues of environmental justice, especially urban planning, transportation justice, and pollution.  Ms. Payne also added, “As an aspiring attorney, I aim to ensure the criminal justice system enforces these laws in a way that benefits our community members first".  

The EJCC students are engaged and excited to learn about environmental and climate justice in every capacity from pollution and poverty to contaminated sites, affordable and safe housing, and recurring flooding. The EJCC Program is made possible by a $1.5 million grant from the Macquarie Group Foundation and is part of Center's HBCU Climate Change Consortium initiative.