Cambridge, Massachusetts (November 24, 2025) – Second Nature, a national nonprofit committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education, proudly announces the recipients of its sixth round of Catalyst Grants. These unrestricted grants, awarding up to $5,000 to eight higher education institutions, are designed to serve as the “spark” that jumpstarts or strengthens campus climate action projects that reduce emissions, build resilience, and advance environmental justice.
The Catalyst Grants provide financial support to Climate Leadership Network member institutions leading innovative sustainability and climate initiatives. The program continues to ensure that at least one grant is awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Tribal Institution, and at least one to a Community College.
“Through our annual Catalyst Grants initiative, we’re able to empower colleges and universities to launch or scale projects that create meaningful, lasting climate impact,” said Tim Carter, President of Second Nature.
“This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of institutions tackling the urgent need to decarbonize, increase resilience, and advance equity within their communities. Their creativity and commitment continue to drive higher education’s leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”
California State University, Northridge (Northridge, CA): CSUN will create a SustainabilityMicro-Certification Program featuring ten short online courses and hands-on activities to build climate literacy across the CSU system. Supported by a Catalyst Grant, the program will draw on academic and industry expertise and culminate in a sustainability event. The result will be a scalable, resume-building model that other institutions can replicate.
John Jay College - CUNY, (New York, NY): John Jay College seeks Catalyst Grant funding to support student participation in global climate events like LCOY and COP 30 and to strengthen related training and coursework. The grant will also fund post-COP outreach, including public forums and presentations to NYC officials. Overall, the project empowers frontline youth to bring global climate insights back to their communities.
Maricopa County Community College (Mesa, AZ): Mesa Community College’s Learning Greenhouse & Community Garden offers hands-on STEM and sustainability education using climate-resilient practices and drought-tolerant plants. Students run experiments and engage the community through pollinator and seed programs that boost local food security and climate resilience. Upgrades like low-flow irrigation and an on-site mulcher will expand learning and research opportunities.
Savannah State University (Savannah, GA): Savannah State University will create a Clean Energy Policy Simulation Lab that gives MPA, Marine Science, and interested undergraduate students hands-on experience analyzing energy and climate policies using real-world datasets and interactive tools. Integrated into existing courses, the Lab will build students’ analytical and policy skills while delivering actionable clean energy and resilience insights to the community.
SUNY Cortland (Cortland, NY): SUNY Cortland seeks to expand its partnership with Cortland ReUse by providing seed funding to support the nonprofit’s mission and hiring an intern to advance the university’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions accounting. The project will strengthen waste reduction, promote the circular economy, and create educational opportunities while measuring and demonstrating the broader environmental impact of Cortland ReUse in the campus and local community.
Texas Southern University (Houston, TX): Texas Southern University’s Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice proposes a campus CERT program to train undergraduate students in disaster preparedness and response. The program will equip students—many of whom are unfamiliar with Houston’s hazards, with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe and support their community during emergencies.
University of North Carolina, Pembroke (Pembroke, NC): This project will convert lignin, a widely available industrial byproduct, into sustainable porous carbons for green chemistry catalysts and clean energy storage, reducing waste and emissions. Catalyst Grant funding will support pyrolysis experiments and student-led research, providing hands-on training in advanced materials and clean energy technologies while advancing scalable climate solutions.
Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA): Xavier University of Louisiana’s “Grow Local, Restore Coastal” initiative will expand its native plant propagation and education program through greenhouse upgrades, student training, and community engagement. The project will strengthen ecological restoration, promote climate resilience, and provide hands-on opportunities for students while hosting workshops and plant giveaways that benefit both the campus and local neighborhoods.
For more details on the 2025 Catalyst Grant Recipients and their projects, visit Second Nature's website.
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. By mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, Second Nature scales campus climate initiatives and creates innovative climate solutions. Learn more at secondnature.org.
The Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University was established to address the systemic inequities and structural racism that drive disproportionate environmental and climate impacts in Black and other communities of color. The Center combines research, advocacy, and education to advance a vision of equitable and sustainable futures for all. READ MORE HERE.
Contact:
Bari Samad, Communications & Marketing Director, Second Nature
bsamad@secondnature.org
DeJonique Baptiste, Assistant Director of Communications
Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
dejonique.baptiste@tsu.edu