by Mayo Davison

A new summer outreach program aims to get more minority students in STEM.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs plans to invite 24 high schoolers to campus for their free UCCS Stem Outreach Program. From July 18–20, students will be able to experience collegiate-level labs in chemistry, biology, biochemistry and human anatomy.

The UCCS Stem Outreach Program was created by undergraduate student Madison Fox.

“I started this program because I was so inspired by many of my classmates and my dad. He came from impoverished places in Colorado Springs, and became a dentist. He had a complicated … Read More >>

Policymakers along with business and nonprofit leaders are in Raleigh this week for a conference on North Carolina’s transition to clean energy. While technology and policy are key themes, some speakers want to make sure people of color and low-income residents are not left out.

The two-day State Energy Conference at N.C. State University has sessions on solar and wind power, electric vehicles and how Duke Energy and regulators are drafting plans to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

But one panel focused on the risk that current energy reforms will bring new social inequities. Climate justice activist William Barber … Read More >>

by Kale Williams

As a child growing up in rural Oregon, Vanessa Grant Coats loved the outdoors. Exploring the wild areas of the state with her family — camping, hiking and fishing — are some of her favorite memories and led to dreams of becoming a marine biologist.

But as a Black kid romping around a mostly white state, she rarely saw people who looked like her enjoying the same outdoor activities.

“I didn’t always feel like I belonged,” Grant Coats told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “I never saw anyone who looked like me as a marine biologist. I never saw them … Read More >>

by Matt Petras

Martin Rafanan, a retired Evangelical Lutheran Church minister, spent decades as an organizer of primarily Black low-wage workers in the St. Louis area. After moving to the Hill District in 2018, Rafanan’s attention remained focused on social justice. 

“During most of my work, I haven’t been paying as much attention to the environment as I think probably I should have,” Rafanan said. “So over the past couple years, been doing a little more to learn more, be educated and to kind of take small steps in the neighborhood.” 

These small steps include Rafanan and his wife shepherding … Read More >>

Bank of America announced the inaugural honorees of its Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award, a new recognition that honors individual leaders who are advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities.

According to a release, the five honorees are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to break down systemic racial barriers and create opportunities for people of color across the country.

“Through this program, we are recognizing the impact of inspiring leaders in our country who are creating real change,” said D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer at Bank of America.

“Supporting … Read More >>

by Kandace Redd

Gas prices in the U.S. spiked long before Russia invaded Ukraine. But, the price at the pump has spiraled even faster since the start of the war.

According to AAA, the national gas price average stood at $4.32 on Monday. California is leading the nation with the highest gas price, averaging $5.74. Gas prices tend to be higher in California than other states. That’s, partially, due to higher taxes for infrastructure and environmental fees. 

As gas prices continue to climb, many people, particularly in historically marginalized communities, are trying figure out how to make ends meet. … Read More >>

Dominion Energy today announced a partnership with The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), supporting seven higher education institutions in Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut, Utah, and Puerto Rico.

Dominion Energy and HACU will support the colleges and universities in the four states in the company footprint and Puerto Rico through a three-year, $2 million-dollar initiative aimed at promoting higher education equity. Each school will develop a Summer Bridge Program providing outreach to high school students and establish a source of STEM-oriented students to support the energy industry. The funds will also provide for the school’s membership in HACU, allowing students to access additional resources.

“All students should have … Read More >>