The Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) at the University of Delaware has announced a new initiative — the Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs — dedicated to advancing pragmatic, results-driven solutions to pressing challenges at the intersection of the environment, energy and economic opportunity. 

Former U.S. Senator Tom Carper, who earned his MBA from UD and recently joined DENIN as a Distinguished Fellow, will help drive the Carper Collaborative and guide its long‑term vision, including the development of a sustained policy and convening agenda.

The Carper Collaborative will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, labor organizations, researchers and community stakeholders to address complex policy challenges through coalition‑building and a shared commitment to practical solutions. By fostering cross‑sector collaboration, the initiative aims to support economic growth while promoting energy innovation and environmental sustainability.

Guided by the principles that shaped Carper’s decades of public service, the Carper Collaborative is grounded in the belief that environmental stewardship and economic opportunity must advance together. Its work will support decision‑makers at the federal, state and local levels while also engaging students and researchers in hands‑on policy development.

“Over the course of my career in public service, I learned that lasting policy solutions are rarely the result of one person or group, but rather the result of bringing people together to tackle our toughest challenges,” Carper said. “The Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs reflects the same guiding principles that shaped my service, convening researchers, industry, labor and policymakers to advance innovative environmental solutions that transform our economy.”

DENIN, where the Carper Collaborative is headquartered, brings together more than 200 UD faculty working on a broad range of environmental research topics, from sustainable water resources to fashion waste recycling, while engaging undergraduate and graduate students in research, leadership, and experiential learning.

“The Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs reflects a commitment to bringing people together to solve tough climate-related challenges,” said DENIN Director Holly Michael. “By aligning environmental goals with workforce and economic priorities, this initiative will help chart a path forward that is both sustainable and inclusive. It will also provide our UD students with tremendous opportunities to participate in the collaborative process as we develop the next generation of environmental leaders.”

Programming will include policy convenings, research initiatives and opportunities for student engagement designed to inform real‑world decision‑making and strengthen Delaware’s role as a leader in environmental and workforce innovation.

Senator Carper has partnered with the Delaware Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to receive philanthropic contributions supporting the launch and early efforts of the Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs at the University of Delaware.

“Senator Carper’s commitment to these issues — and to collaborative work — is well known across Delaware and beyond,” said Delaware Community Foundation President and CEO Stuart Comstock‑Gay. “Building opportunity for Delawareans and protecting our environment are core issues for the DCF, and we are thrilled to be able to align with and support this project.”

Information about the Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs is available on the DENIN website.