HBCU Energy Education Prize Partnerships Track

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the HBCU Energy Education Prize to help develop advanced energy focused programming opportunities and connections for HBCUs across the United States. The prize focuses on three primary goals: 

1. Inspire K-12 and community college students to engage with and learn about energy subjects through HBCU-hosted educational programs.
2. Initiate partnerships between HBCUs and other universities with proven energy focused programs to build new cross-university curriculum enhancements or exchange programs, along with degree and certificate programs.
3. Integrate and build programming between university and industry partners to advance career opportunities for HBCU students in the energy field. 

The prize aims to help HBCUs achieve these goals through two distinct prize tracks—the Partnerships Track and Inspire Track. This page is for the Partnerships Track. For more information on the Inspire Track, please visit herox.com/hbcu-inspire. 

The Partnerships Track supports building partnerships between HBCUs and other universities, government agencies, and industry leaders to inform new programs and provide professional opportunities that will equip HBCU students with the skills needed to succeed in energy careers. 

Phases

The Partnerships Track is comprised of three phases. For more information on the Partnerships Track phases, please read the official rules document.

• Phase 1: Competitors will develop a plan of action, provide evidence of partnership commitment, describe the goals and benefits of partnerships, and discuss how the partnerships will positively impact HBCU students. Up to 10 HBCU winners will each win a $100,000 cash award and be eligible to compete in Phase 2.
• Phase 2: Competitors will showcase how they were able to implement their plans, advance their partnerships, and successfully develop new programming that will help provide improved educational and career opportunities to HBCU students. Up to 10 HBCU winners will split a total prize pool of up to $4,000,000 and be eligible to compete in Phase 3.
• Phase 3: Competitors will provide further updates on the implementation of their partnerships and programming. Up to three HBCU winners will split a total prize pool of up to $1,750,000.

Key Dates

Anticipated dates are subject to change. For the final dates, please read the official rules document.

• Phase 1 Launches: August 29, 2023
• Informational Webinar: September 19, 2023
• Phase 1 Submissions Due: December 19, 2023
• Phase 1 Winners Announced: February 2024
• Phase 2 Launches: April 3, 2024
• Phase 2 Submissions Due: July 30, 2024
• Phase 2 Winners Announced: September 2024
• Phase 3 Launches: October 1, 2024
• Phase 3 Submissions Due: February 18, 2025
• Phase 3 Winners Announced: March 2025 (anticipated).

Eligibility

All HBCUs in the United States and U.S. territories are eligible to apply to one or both tracks. For more details, please read the official rules document.

Informational Webinar

For more information on the Partnerships Track, please view the recording of the Partnerships Track informational webinar.

Resource Partners Webinar

In early October, organizations that have submitted the Resource Partners Interest Form will be invited to present at the Resource Partners Webinar. This webinar will be an opportunity for competitors to learn more about organizations that are interested in partnering and the resources they can provide. The date of the webinar will be announced in the coming weeks.

Please review the official rules for the complete application process and instructions for competing. 

Follow the challenge page to receive the latest updates. For any questions, please use the contact feature on the HeroX platform or message us directly at .

Note the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is evaluating all funding opportunities, including prize challenges, to ensure appropriate resources are allocated efficiently, and that the Department's initiatives are in line with the statutory mission of DOE and the policies and priorities of the Administration and DOE. DOE is undertaking this evaluation in accordance with all laws, regulations, and fiscal responsibility, as efficiently as possible.