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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a major investment as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda. The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant, a three-phase initiative totaling $190 million, aims to modernize K-12 public schools with energy-efficient upgrades. This initiative will help schools reduce energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier learning environments for students and teachers.
DOE has selected 21 winners for the initial phase, each receiving a $300,000 cash prize. These winners will identify schools with significant needs and build teams to plan for upgrades. Sixteen of these winners will progress to the next phases, entering cooperative agreements with DOE to secure up to $15 million each. The funds will be used to enhance 320 school facilities across 25 states, benefiting over 123,000 students and 9,100 teachers.
“Investing in our schools is essential to ensuring students learn in safe, sustainable environments,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This funding will create new pathways for schools to upgrade their infrastructure, supporting healthier classrooms and reducing energy costs.”
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the program’s role in addressing climate change and improving indoor conditions, noting that the upgrades will also generate good-paying jobs. “This administration’s comprehensive strategy for climate-smart schools will reduce pollution and enhance student well-being,” Zaidi stated.
The initiative addresses critical issues related to indoor environmental quality, which can impact health and academic performance. By improving ventilation, lighting, and building conditions, the program aims to combat the increased frequency of school closures due to heat and other climate-related challenges.
The 16 selected projects involve partnerships with over 100 entities, including local educational agencies, energy service companies, and labor unions. The initiative aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct benefits to disadvantaged communities. Most of the funded schools serve high percentages of students qualifying for Free-and-Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) and are located in rural or tribal areas.
The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant is part of the broader $500 million Renew America’s Schools Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Launched in 2022, the program supports energy upgrades to foster healthier, more sustainable school environments. |
