By Anthony Howard
JACKSON, Miss. — JSU professor Berneece Herbert, Ph.D. has been awarded a $499,996 grant by the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to lead a groundbreaking workforce development initiative focused on preparing minority youth for careers in the growing clean energy sector.
The GRP has awarded over $3 million to support seven projects designed to provide pathways for Gulf Coast residents ages 16 to 25 into high-quality jobs facilitating the energy transition.
“We are excited by the diversity of these projects and their ability to provide opportunities for young people to gain skills that will support a range of emerging energy sectors in the Gulf region,” said Karena Mothershed, program director of GRP’s Board on Gulf Education and Engagement.
The “Strengthening Minority Opportunity Youth Participation for a Future-Ready Energy Literate and Resilient Workforce” initiative led by Herbert, chair of the JSU Department of Urban and Regional Planning, is an energy literacy and resilience workforce training program. The initiative aims to strengthen youth participation in a future-ready workforce and accelerate the journey to net zero in energy industries in Mississippi.
This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering economic mobility and addressing social inequities in Mississippi’s labor market while contributing to the national push for sustainable energy solutions.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce development by equipping minority youth with the employment and life skills needed to succeed in the high-growth energy industry,” said Herbert. “This program will ensure that young people in our community have the opportunity to secure rewarding careers in clean energy.”
The energy transition involves shifting from carbon-based energy sources like coal and natural gas to cleaner alternatives such as solar and hydrogen. This shift is particularly significant for the Gulf of Mexico region, a central energy hub for the United States.
Herbert brings over 20 years of experience in practice, academia and research, focusing on socio-economic development, strategic planning and public sector investment. She has previously served as the principal investigator for multiple USDA, MarTREC and NSF-sponsored grants addressing climate change, food security and sustainable communities.
This grant underscores Jackson State University’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions that address environmental challenges and social inequities, preparing the next generation of leaders in the clean energy sector.
Key partners in this endeavor include Refill Jackson Inc., HRC Consulting and Just Green Mississippi.