Bowie State University Awarded $727,500 State Grant to Advance Campus Clean Energy Initiatives

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University has been awarded a $727,500 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to support a comprehensive clean energy initiative aimed at expanding renewable energy use, strengthening academic offerings and preparing students for careers in the growing energy sector.

"This investment represents a significant step forward in Bowie State University's commitment to sustainability and innovation," said Dr. Yvonne Harris, vice president for research and innovation. "By integrating renewable energy infrastructure with academic and workforce development opportunities, we are preparing students to lead in a clean energy future while reducing our campus' environmental impact."

Funded through the state's Strategic Energy Investment Fund, the award is part of the FY2026 Higher Education Clean Energy Program, which promotes sustainability, energy innovation and workforce development across Maryland's colleges and universities. The grant will be led by Dr. Dawit Hailu, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences.

A multi-year project, this award will enable Bowie State to install approximately 165 kilowatts of solar energy capacity across campus, increasing on-site renewable energy production and reducing the university's environmental footprint. The initiative also includes the development of a Campus Clean Energy master plan to guide long-term sustainability and energy planning efforts. The project is scheduled for completion by July 2029.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, this initiative aligns with Maryland's climate goals by turning campuses into hubs for sustainability and practical, hands-on renewable energy education. This grant will support the creation of three new workforce training programs focused on the clean energy sector. These programs are designed to equip students with skills and knowledge needed to enter a rapidly evolving industry. Five student interns will also be employed to assist with project implementation, providing hands-on experience in clean energy technologies and planning.

The Maryland Energy Administration administers the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to support energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation programs across the state.

For more information about Bowie State University's sustainability initiatives, visit bowiestate.edu/sustainability.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311