In line with the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant. This $190 million investment is designed to help public K-12 schools implement energy upgrades to reduce energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier learning environments for students and teachers.

Phase One Winners and Schools Moving On

DOE has identified 21 phase one winners, each receiving a $300,000 cash prize for building teams and identifying facilities in need of significant improvements. Sixteen winners will advance to the next phases and enter into cooperative agreements with DOE for up to $15 million in prizes. These advances will benefit 320 school facilities in 25 states, impacting more than 123,000 students and 9,100 teachers.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of investing in our children’s learning environment: “Schools are the centers of our communities, and the need to invest in our children’s learning environment is essential to their overall well-being and ultimate success.”

Climate-smart schools for a sustainable future

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi emphasized the role of schools in addressing the climate crisis: “Our nation’s schools — including classrooms, buildings, and activities — are essential to tackling the climate crisis as we work to reduce pollution and create safer, healthier learning environments for children, especially in light of new extreme weather events.”

The DOE recognizes the significant impact of healthy and safe facilities on students, teachers, and administrators. Poor indoor environmental quality can lead to increased illness, absenteeism, and decreased academic performance. Improved lighting and thermal comfort are also critical to cognition and academic success.

Collaboration and broader impact

The 16 individuals selected will work with more than 100 entities, including local educational agencies (LEAs), consultants, energy companies, utilities, state and local government offices, funding partners, labor unions, and federally funded research and development centers. This partnership includes 55 LEAs and aims to improve energy infrastructure, which contributes to overall community health and economic stability.

Commitment to underserved communities

The initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 initiative, which ensures that the project’s benefits reach underserved communities. These benefits include health improvements through improved indoor air quality, improved thermal comfort, improved lighting, and cost savings through reduced energy expenditures. Notably, 71% of the funded school facilities are located in underserved communities and 94% serve populations where more than 50% of students qualify for Free-and-Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL).

Development and training of the workforce

The program also supports the Investing in America Agenda by creating good-paying jobs and improving the U.S. workforce. Selectees will provide job training through a variety of mechanisms, including apprenticeships, university programs, and job shadowing. Many have pledged to engage local workers, partner with specific labor unions, and work with community-based organizations, tribal entities, and minority-owned businesses.

The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant is part of the $500 million program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), established in 2022. The program helps schools across the country make energy upgrades, reduce energy consumption and costs, and promote healthier learning environments.