Department of Energy grant, prize aim to improve energy efficiency in rural and high-poverty school facilities

1/9/2023

The U.S. Department of Energy published a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Renew America’s Schools grant program and Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools (Energy CLASS) Prize. Both the Renew America’s Schools grant program and the Energy CLASS Prize will focus on supporting rural and high-poverty local education agencies.

Renew America’s Schools grant applications are open. Concept papers are due Jan. 26 and full applications will close April 21. The Renew America’s Schools grant program will invest up to $80 million in America’s highest-need K-12 districts to implement critical energy upgrades that:

• Build healthier learning environments;
• Reduce carbon emissions;
• Lower utility costs; and
• Redirect funds to support students and teachers.

The grant program also will support eligible projects such as:

• Creating cleaner air and more comfortable climates through HVAC, ventilation and building envelope improvements;
• Reducing community exposure to air pollution through the promotion of alternative-fueled vehicles and renewable energy technologies; and
• Improving the safety and resilience of schools, which often are used as critical community assets including cooling centers and disaster recovery shelters.

These investments will lead to a long-term reduction in energy use that generate savings, which schools can reinvest in educational programming or teacher salaries and lower schools’ carbon emissions.

In tandem with the grant program, the U.S. Department of Energy also is announcing funding for the $4.5 million Energy CLASS Prize. The Energy CLASS Prize will provide $100,000 in awards to as many as 25 schools and districts for the purpose of staffing and training energy management positions. Energy managers will learn to identify, implement and maintain projects that will improve health and efficiency in their districts. At the conclusion of the first year, participants can submit a progress report and – based on performance – may qualify for an additional $50,000. The Energy CLASS Prize application will close Feb. 20.

Learn more about the grant and prize and find the applications on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.