Press Release: Sustain Our Future Foundation Launches the Sustainable Justice HBCU Fellowship
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June 26, 2024
Sustain Our Future Foundation (SOFF) proudly announces the launch of the Sustainable Justice HBCU Fellowship. This initiative aims to advance environmental justice and sustainability while increasing representation of underrepresented groups in the field.
The Fellowship places students from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) in grassroots environmental justice organizations for summer internships. In addition to their internships, this initiative provides HBCU students with invaluable professional experiences, leadership development coaching, and opportunities to connect with industry experts in sustainability and environmental justice. Fellows also engage in a comprehensive sustainability and environmental justice curriculum created by SOFF.
The Inaugural cohort includes seven HBCU students. SOFF will provide each student with a $5,000 internship stipend and a $10,000 scholarship upon successful completion of the fellowship.
A key aspect of this program is its focus on strengthening the capacities of grassroots environmental justice organizations. Internship host organizations benefit not only from the skills and dedication of the interns, but also from a $10,000 general operating grant to support their advocacy, outreach, and programs.
"Participating in the Sustain Our Future Foundation's program has been transformative for our organization and community. It strengthens our capacity to tackle environmental justice issues, creating sustainable and resilient communities. The program's holistic approach integrates cultural preservation, community engagement, and education, fostering a deeper connection to our environment and heritage.” Said Tinice "Tee" Williams, Executive Director Feed The Second Line. “This collaborative spirit and shared vision for a sustainable future are invaluable to our mission. I am thankful for Feed The Second Line's partnership in this program. We have been honored to host an intern from Dillard University. Through this partnership, she is able to gain hands-on experience and contribute to making a meaningful impact on the community," Williams added.
Selected Fellows and Host Organizations include:
Iyana Gross, recent graduate of Morgan State University (Biology Major, Chemistry, Women and Gender Studies Minors), who will intern at the Black Church Food Security Network.
Ajinkya Soumas, Clark Atlanta University student (Criminal Justice Major, Political Science Minor), will intern at SouthFace Institute.
Madison Maxwell, North Carolina A&T student (Biological Engineering, Natural Resources Major), will intern at North Carolina Climate Justice Collective.
Camryn Millon, recent graduate of Virginia State University (Criminal Justice/Interdisciplinary Studies Major), will intern at Virginia Interfaith Power and Light.
Alayssia Crawford, Huston Tillotson University student (Business Major), will intern at Austin Justice Coalition.
Sky Hunt, Spelman College student (Environmental Studies Major), will intern at the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance.
Madisyn Hicks, Dillard University student (Urban Studies and Public Policy Major, Criminal Justice Minor), will intern at Feed the Second Line.
"The Sustainable Justice HBCU Fellowship is integral to how we are developing a sustainability workforce that prioritizes communities and environmental justice in their approaches.," said Yinka N. Bode-George, Founder and CEO of Sustain Our Future Foundation. "We are excited to support these talented students as they journey to becoming leaders in environmental justice and sustainability."
For more information about the Sustainable Justice HBCU Fellowship Program or to support Sustain Our Future Foundation’s mission, please visit sustainourfuture.org or contact Chanel Barnes-Osula at chanel@sustainourfuture.org.
About Sustain Our Future Foundation
Sustain our Future Foundation is a national, impact organization that works to transform sustainable development by maximizing equitable community benefits to achieve environmental justice. By redistributing profits from the burgeoning sustainability sectors into community impact initiatives, the Foundation works to build free, thriving, and regenerative communities through consulting services and social impact programs.