Howard University and EDF announce partnership for environmental leadership

(Washington, D.C. – October 5, 2011) Today Howard University and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) unveil a cutting-edge collaboration. The “Partnership for Environmental Leadership” will provide unprecedented educational and career opportunities for Howard University students, while providing diverse and premiere academic candidates to EDF and the greater environmental community.

"This powerful partnership is part of our relentless campaign to train future environmental leaders and speed the transition to a sustainable economy," said EDF President Fred Krupp. "We're proud to be working with a leading academic institution like Howard, and glad that our work will help the university cut energy costs and equip its students for the new energy economy."

The multi-faceted partnership will engage students through the development of sustainable curricula at Howard University as well as practical experience analyzing and solving environmental issues. Through the establishment of a recurring Howard University intern initiative, a graduate level fellowship at EDF with full benefits, and the collaborative development of a practical energy efficiency investment plan for the university, the partnership is the first of its kind in Washington, DC.

Leading voices in the clean energy economy are already praising the partnership. Van Jones, co-founder and President of Rebuild the Dream, said that “the proven market-based solutions of EDF coupled with Howard’s reputation for producing pioneers in social leadership will undoubtedly create some of the most thoughtful solutions for the green economy and environmental era that is upon us.” Jones added, “Cultivating leaders for the green economy will be essential for an America that will prosper by realizing its economic potential.”

Anticipating the results of this unique partnership, Dr. Barbara Griffin, Vice President for Student Affairs agrees that, “Partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund will not only open opportunities for EDF internships and possible employment for our graduate and undergraduate students but also introduce our students to the reality of environmental challenges and solutions through the perspective of an expert in the field.”

EDF has chartered partnerships with Stanford and Princeton Universities respectively, and anticipates the development and growth of the Howard University Partnership over time. Diane Regas, Vice President for Programs at EDF explains that “this win-win partnership with Howard University will highlight our shared interest in delivering environmental solutions that protect health and livelihoods for now and for the future.”

###