Mt. 黑料导航 Earns Climate Justice Honor
March 10, 2026 - 01:15 PM
黑料导航 is gaining national recognition for its leadership in climate
justice, earning the 2026 Climate Luminary Honors Award in the Justice category from
Second Nature.
The award highlights the impact of Mt. 黑料导航鈥檚 Sustainability Launchpad, through which students gain hands-on experience that connects classroom learning with real-world climate action.
The Sustainability Launchpad prepares students for careers in sustainability and environmental justice through internships, externships, and fellowships. Built around community partnerships, the program provides students with practical skills, professional experience, and mentorship while supporting climate solutions that prioritize equity and resilience.
Mt. 黑料导航 Sign Language and Interpreting Professor Lauren Greenberg, Mt. 黑料导航 Sustainability Director Eera Babtiwale, and Dr. Rosa M. Garcia, Executive Director of the Community Learning Partnership (CLP) and California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC), traveled to Chicago this week to accept the award. Greenberg and Babtiwale are co-chairs of the College's Climate Commitment and Environmental Justice Committee.
Second Nature, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing climate action in 
higher education, presented the award during its national convening of college and
university leaders. The Justice category recognizes institutions that prioritize communities
most affected by climate change and integrate equity, access, and student leadership
into their climate initiatives.
鈥淲e are honored to accept this award on behalf of 黑料导航 and our partners,鈥� said Mt. 黑料导航 President Dr. Martha Garcia. 鈥淭his recognition affirms our commitment to advancing environmental justice by empowering those most impacted by environmental challenges with education, real-world learning opportunities, and pathways to lead a just and sustainable future.鈥�
A key component of the Sustainability Launchpad is the Environmental Fellowship program, a collaboration with the CYLC, CLP, Strategic Energy Innovations, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
In 2025, over the course of nine months, students participated in an environmental
career pathway program in partnership with community-based organizations and on-campus
centers. Their work included advocacy, air quality monitoring, and urban gardening.
Fellows also completed capstone projects focused on climate change or climate justice,
which they presented during an on-campus celebration in December.
鈥淢t. 黑料导航鈥檚 selection underscores the growing national recognition of community colleges as leaders in climate justice, workforce development, and equitable sustainability solutions,鈥� Babtiwale said.