New Orleans – Dillard University, in partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, is among 21 Community Change Grants Program recipients, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant, totaling $19.94 million, will allow Dillard University to create community resilience hubs, expand bike sharing and electric vehicle charger access, retrofit buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, launch non-degree training programs in clean energy and climate resilience, and enhance community resilience in Orleans, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes.
The Community Change Grants Program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, crafted and voted for by Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), represents the most significant investment in climate action in American history. “The Inflation Reduction Act, the largest ever investment in climate action and environmental justice, is a testament to our commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Rep. Carter. “Through this federal award, the project will provide up to 300 families with e-bikes, expand bike-sharing programs, install EV chargers, and retrofit public buildings with energy-efficient systems. Dillard University will also spearhead new educational programs in clean energy and climate resilience. These innovative and community-focused solutions will ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
Dillard University’s Interim President, Dr. Monique Guillory expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to this grant, emphasizing its transformative impact on the community. “The EPA’s selection of Dillard University’s Community Change Grant submission, in partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, is a testament to the value we place on collaboration with our array of stakeholders to transform our community,” said Guillory.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana also welcomed the partnership with Dillard University and highlighted the initiative’s aim to reduce pollution, enhance climate resilience, and build capacity in local communities. “United Way of Southeast Louisiana is thrilled to partner with Dillard University as we embrace this historic opportunity provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grants Program,” said Michael Williamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s president and CEO. “This initiative will empower our communities by reducing pollution, increasing climate resilience, and building capacity. We are excited to contribute to these transformative efforts and make a lasting impact together.”
This grant marks a significant milestone in Dillard University’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. “Having previously been awarded funding from the Department of Energy on two occasions this year, Dillard continues to expand its work to prepare our communities to fill the higher-paying positions that are being created in the clean energy industry,” said Kem Opperman-Torres, Director, Office of Sustainability. “Creating community change that brings clean energy jobs into the homes of our neighbors to help eradicate poverty is the goal that Dillard and United Way hope to achieve with this funding from the EPA.”
Partnerships with organizations like Blue Bikes, Louisiana Green Corps, and the City of New Orleans further solidify the shared vision for climate action, emphasizing the importance of community-driven initiatives to combat environmental challenges and promote climate justice. “With over 70% of ridership by New Orleans locals, Blue Bikes provides a healthy, sustainable, and fun way for folks to move around town,” said Interim Co-Executive Director Patrick Urbine. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Dillard University to continue to expand access to bikeshare and improve mobility options for the larger New Orleans community.”
Ryan Mattingly, Executive Director for Louisiana Green Corps said, “Louisiana Green Corps is thrilled to be part of this historic award and is committed to shaping a sustainable future where racial equity, economic growth and environmental stewardship all go hand in hand.”
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with the City’s Climate Action Plan, underscoring our shared vision for a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Greg Nichols, Deputy Chief Resilience Officer at the City of New Orleans. “By expanding bike sharing, increasing access to EV chargers, and enhancing energy efficiency, Dillard University is setting a benchmark for community-driven climate action. This grant not only empowers Dillard and the surrounding communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthens our city’s capacity to combat environmental challenges and advance climate justice. Together, we are building a more resilient New Orleans for future generations.”
Laura Harris, Education and Policy Manager for Bike Easy said, “Bike Easy works to make bicycling easy, safe, and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans. We are looking forward to working with the Dillard community on bike safety education programs to help create a healthy, prosperous, resilient, and equitable future where safe, convenient transportation options are available for everyone.”
Together, Dillard University and its collaborators are working towards building a more sustainable and resilient New Orleans for generations to come. “As a native New Orleanian, I am familiar with the environmental injustices plaguing this region. That understanding makes this award a special honor as I am called to serve the Bleu Devil family as Interim President. This is not just an award for Dillard University but for our entire New Orleans community. I extend a special note of appreciation to Dillard alumnus Mr. Rod Hall with Nelson and Mullins, the Louisiana congressional delegation, and in particular, Dr. Rochelle Ford and Dr. Charles Prince for their leadership of this effort. We look forward to leveraging this award for substantive impact to the Dillard University community and beyond,” Guillory added.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
