WHEN:
Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22, 2026
WHERE:
The Jung Hotel | 1500 Canal Street| New Orleans, LA
THEME:
Legacy Rising: Charting Our Future at the Crossroads of Climate and Justice
Countdown to Conference
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JOIN US IN 2026
IN NEW ORLEANS!
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Join the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and the Bullard Center at Texas Southern University for the 11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, March 18–22, 2026. This vital national conference unites HBCU faculty, students, researchers, climate professionals, and environmental justice community members to bridge academic research with real-world experiences.
Engage with critical topics like climate justice, adaptation, resilience, global climate policy, sustainable transportation, clean energy, green jobs, and community-driven economic development.
A highlight of the conference is youth engagement, inviting Gulf Coast high school students to explore climate science through interactive, hands-on learning and engaging simulations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a more sustainable future!
OUR CO-CONVENERS
Our co-conveners are environmental and climate justice pioneers, Center and HBCU Consortium leaders, educators, social scientists, scholars, researchers, and award-winning authors.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Experience
Our conference offers an exciting and safe space for you to reflect on our current challenges and explore innovative paths forward in the fight against climate change. Join us as we come together to brainstorm, evaluate, and ignite new ideas for building resilient communities that can thrive in the face of adversity. Let’s empower each other to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future!
The Conference will feature:
- Community-based organization led panels
- Student led panels
- Nationally-acclaimed keynote speakers
- Climate Science panels
- Interactive breakout sessions
- Sessions dedicated to emotional health and wellness
- Book signing
- A wealth of opportunities to network and connect
Attendee Feedback
Registration
HBCU students attending the conference are required to have a faculty mentor.
The conference registration cost is $250 general registration and $100 for students.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OFFER -$200 general registration and $75 for students (Offer expires Friday, January 9, 2026).
All ticket sales end on Friday, February 20, 2026.
There will be NO ONSITE REGISTRATION.
Student travel scholarships are available to students whose abstract has been accepted for oral/poster presentations. Travel scholarships include lodging and transportation (per diem is not included).
Conference Refund Policy
- Conference registration may be canceled with full refund by sending a written notification no later than February 18, 2026. No refunds will be granted after this date.
- In the case of an emergency/extenuating circumstances, special requests will be considered.
- Refund requests should be emailed to: hbcuconf@dscej.org
GENERAL REGISTRATION
STUDENT REGISTRATION
Program Agenda At a Glance
Please note: This agenda is subject to change.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
THEME: EJ Roots Reunited: We’re Still Here
The conference will open with a free Community Forum honoring the roots of the environmental justice movement and the leaders who have shaped it. The evening will feature reflections on the history and evolution of environmental justice, with insights from pioneering voices and space for emerging leaders to share their visions for the future. This year, panel speakers will be honored with the EJ Roots Medallion, recognizing their foundational contributions to environmental justice advocacy, scholarship, and community leadership. The forum will conclude with a book signing and reception, offering participants an opportunity to meet featured authors, continue the conversation, and gather in community.
4:30 pm: Registration Check-In (No on-site registration/pre-paid ticketholders only)
6:00 pm: Community Forum (Free and open to the public)
7:30 pm: Book Signing and Reception
Thursday, March 19, 2026
THEME: Where We Have Been: Roots to Renaissance
Participants will examine the historical foundations of the climate justice movement, including the policies, practices, and power structures that produced environmental racism and unequal exposure to harm. Sessions will trace the evolution of community resistance, organizing, and scholarship, honoring frontline sacrifice while situating today’s climate challenges within their deeper historical context.
7:30 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Registration Check-In (No on-site registration/pre-paid ticketholders only)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm:
- Expert, Community, and Student Panels
- Damu Smith Award Ceremony
- Keynote – Rev. Lennox Yearwood, President, Hip Hop Caucus
5:00 pm: Film Festival
Friday, March 20, 2026
THEME: Where We Are: The Global Climate Crisis Impact on our Communities
Participants will engage with the present-day realities of the global climate crisis and its uneven impacts on communities. Discussions will focus on the interconnected effects of climate change, public health, economic vulnerability, and policy decisions, with particular attention to how these forces are shaping everyday life in frontline and historically marginalized communities.
7:30 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Registration Check-In (No on-site registration/pre-paid ticketholders only)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm:
- Expert, Community, Student Panels and Breakout Sessions
- Keynote: Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder, STEM NOLA
6:30 pm: Student Poster Session Set-Up
Saturday, March 21, 2026
THEME: Where We Are Going: Charting Just Futures
Participants will engage with future pathways toward climate justice through policy innovation, community leadership, and collective action. The day will feature robust student programming from middle school through college, designed to introduce young people to climate science, environmental justice advocacy, and applied research through hands-on learning and critical inquiry. College and high school students will present original research during the student poster competition, sharing findings that bridge environmental science, social justice, and grassroots advocacy. Together, these activities will highlight the vital role of emerging scholars, many from frontline communities, in shaping more just and livable climate futures.
7:30 am: Breakfast
8:00 am: Registration Check-In (No on-site registration/pre-paid ticketholders only)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Expert, Community, Student Panels and Breakout Sessions
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Student Poster Session
4:00 pm: Poster Awards Ceremony
Keynote: TBD
Sunday, March 22, 2026
9:00 am: Breakfast
11:00 am: Shuttle to Airport
Accommodations
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The Jung Hotel
1500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-226-5864
HBCU Conference Discount Group Rate: $159
Group Discount Deadline February 25, 2026
CONFERENCE CONTACT
HBCUCONF@DSCEJ.ORG
Contact: 504-475-6170
Call for Student Abstracts
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT IS NOW DECEMBER 15, 2025.
Our conference is designed to empower African American youth and students by providing a vibrant platform to learn about climate change and showcase their own research and innovations.
Join students, faculty, staff, and environmental leaders from across the nation as we tackle the devastating impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Together, we’ll explore actionable steps to protect both our communities and our planet.
We’re challenging middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students alike to step up as the next generation of research scientists, scholars, educators, and leaders in environmental and climate justice. The future of our planet rests in your hands—let’s rise to the occasion and make a difference together!
Call for College Student Abstracts
DEADLINE EXTENDED: ABSTRACTS ARE NOW DUE MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
We’re excited to announce that student abstracts are now open for oral and poster presentations at our 2025 conference! This is a fantastic opportunity for student attendees to showcase their research while engaging with environmental experts and community members directly impacted by climate change.
Both HBCU and majority institution students will have the chance to shine during student panels and poster sessions. Plus, we’ll be recognizing excellence with awards for the top three undergraduate poster presenters and the best graduate student poster presentation. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact and share your innovative ideas—submit your abstract today!
STUDENTS WHOSE ABSTRACT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR AN ORAL PRESENTATION MUST ALSO GIVE A POSTER PRESENTATION.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, students must submit an abstract via our online form.
College Student Abstract Submission Instructions and Guidelines
Students are encouraged to present an abstract that has been conducted in the following subject areas:
- Climate Change/Climate Justice
- Adaptation and Mitigation
- Community Resilience
- Green Jobs, Green Economy
- Energy Sources
- Carbon Emissions, Cap and Trade
- Just Transition, Just Sustainability
- Campus Sustainability
- Global dimensions of climate change
- Sea Level Rise
- Food Security
- Faith-based Advocacy and Activism
- Theologics of Resistance
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Abstracts will be accepted via the digital ‘Abstract Form’ linked below ONLY. Abstracts will not be processed for review if they are not submitted using the digital Abstract Form. Abstracts that do not conform to official guidelines will not be accepted.
PRESENTATION FORMAT
Individuals should select oral/poster or poster presentation on the abstract submission form. The final decision of assignment to oral or poster presentation will be determined by the abstract reviewing committee.
There will be a monetary award for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place undergraduate poster presentations and a 1st place monetary award for the graduate poster presentation.
Acknowledgment: Notification of receipt will be sent to the email address provided by the submitting author. Notification of acceptance will be sent no later than January 15, 2026.
ABSTRACT INSTRUCTIONS
- Maximum of 300-word count in Georgia 11 point font (excluding title, authors, and affiliations).
- Define all abbreviations the first time they appear in the abstract.
- Avoid formulas, tables, and charts.
- Do not include references or credits.
- Your abstract should be typed into the form single-spaced with no spaces between paragraphs.
- Proofread your abstract carefully before submitting; no corrections will be allowed.
POSTER SESSION GUIDELINES
- Use 36″ (wide) X 48″ (high) Foldable Fabric Poster (www.posterpresentations.com)
- Posters may be developed by teams of 2 – 3 students representing a single school.
- The names of each student on the team and the name of the school should be displayed on the poster and on any handouts.
- Each team should bring their final printed poster to the conference.
- Posters can be set up Friday evening between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
- During the poster session reception, students must stand by their posters to discuss their research with conference participants.
- Posters not removed by the end of the conference will be discarded.
POSTER DEVELOPMENT TIPS
- Posters should include the title of the presentation and the list of authors.
- Letters in the title should be at least 1 inch high.
- Include visuals – text, figures, tables, color photographs, maps, and/or charts.
- The material should be well labeled and legible from a distance of 2 yards.
- Lettering should be bold.
- If you will be posting typed material, use a large font size (20 to 24 point font) on white, pale yellow or cream-colored, non-glossy paper.
- Use 1-inch margins.
- Avoid the use of “fancy” fonts.
- Use upper and lowercase letters.
- Simple serif fonts such as “Times New Roman” are easier to read than sans (without) serif fonts such as “Geneva.”
HBCU TABLE DISPLAY
There will be a six-foot table available for each school to display your school paraphernalia. Please bring your University table skirt and items to decorate your table.
NOTE: STUDENTS WHOSE ABSTRACT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR AN ORAL PRESENTATION MUST ALSO PRESENT A POSTER PRESENTATION.
Call for High School Student Abstracts
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT IS JANUARY 15, 2026.
The Generation Next component of our conference, co-sponsored by the Crescent City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is designed for high school students eager to dive into the world of climate change. These passionate students will have the unique chance to engage in training and mentorship alongside college students and seasoned climate professionals.
Generation Next participants will also get to showcase their work during the poster session and take part in panel presentations. Plus, we’re excited to offer cash prizes for the top three high school students! This is an amazing opportunity to learn, connect, and shine—don’t miss out!
High school student abstracts should be 100 – 150 words.
Suggested Topics:
- Climate Change/Climate Justice
- Community Resilience
- Green Jobs, Green Economy
- Energy Sources
- Campus Sustainability
- Sea Level Rise
- Food Security
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT IS JANUARY 15, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship deadline is February 19, 2026.
Click to View the Sponsorship Booklet
Whova is Back!
Here are a few standout features:
Free for Attendees
The conference app comes at no cost for all attendees. Explore the schedule, expand your network, and fully immerse yourself in the app’s capabilities.
Get Real-Time Updates
Utilizing the app ensures you’ll stay informed with real-time notifications, keeping you updated on crucial changes like room adjustments, delightful snack offerings, or gentle reminders when the lunch break is nearing its end.
Visit Sponsor Booths
Explore our sponsors’ virtual booths to discover more about their offerings. Engage with videos, access brochures, communicate via chat, or schedule meetings with representatives.
Network Beyond the Conference
Begin exploring attendee profiles, initiating conversations with other attendees, and expanding your network weeks before the event commences. Utilize Whova’s Community Boards to connect with fellow attendees, arrange meetups, introduce yourself with ice breakers, and join or establish discussion groups.
Get our official event app,
Get the most out of the app and have a more productive experience!
1
NAVIGATE the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board
2
NETWORK effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages
3
PARTICIPATE in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more
History
This annual conference was developed by the HBCU Climate Change Consortium to bring together HBCU faculty and students, researchers, climate professionals and environmental justice and coastal community residents impacted by toxic facilities and severe weather events related to climate change in order to bridge the gap between theory and the experiential realities of climate change. The conference addresses issues related to climate justice, adaptation, community resilience, global climate issues, and other major climate change topics (i.e. transportation, energy sources, carbon emissions, green jobs/green economy, just transition, and community economic development).
The conference also engages local high school students in the conference activities. High school students are introduced to climate science within the context of how their daily life activities affect climate. The sessions are interactive, including computer-simulated games. To date, the Consortium has hosted 10 conferences.