In alignment 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 aims to help K-12 public schools implement energy upgrades to reduce energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and create healthier learning environments for students and teachers.
DOE has identified 21 phase-one winners, each awarded a $300,000 cash prize for building teams and identifying facilities needing significant improvements. Sixteen winners will advance to the subsequent phases, entering cooperative agreements with DOE for up to $15 million in awards. These advancements will benefit 320 school facilities across 25 states, impacting over 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 environments: “Schools are the centers of our communities, and the need for investment in our children’s learning environments is key to ensure their overall well-being and ultimate success.”
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the role of schools in addressing the climate crisis: “Our nation’s schools – including classrooms, buildings, and operations – are essential to taking on the climate crisis as we work to both reduce pollution and create safer, healthier learning environments for children, especially in the face of new weather extremes.”
The DOE acknowledges the significant impacts of healthy and safe facilities on students, teachers, and administrators. Poor indoor environmental quality can lead to increased illnesses, absences, and decreased academic performance. Upgraded lighting and thermal comfort are also crucial for cognition and academic success.
The 16 selectees will collaborate with over 100 entities, including local educational agencies (LEAs), consultants, energy service companies, utility companies, state and local government offices, financing partners, labor unions, and federally funded research and development centers. This partnership involves 55 LEAs and aims to improve energy infrastructure, contributing to overall community health and economic stability.
The initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring project benefits reach disadvantaged communities. These benefits include health improvements from better indoor air quality, enhanced thermal comfort, better lighting, and cost savings from reduced energy expenditures. Notably, 71% of funded school facilities are in disadvantaged communities and 94% serve populations where more than 50% of students qualify for Free-and-Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL).
The program also supports the Investing in America Agenda by creating well-paying jobs and upskilling the American workforce. Selectees will offer workforce training through various mechanisms, including apprenticeships, university programs, and job shadowing. Many have made commitments to engage local labor, partner with specific labor unions, and collaborate with community-based organizations, Tribal entities, and minority business enterprises.
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. This program helps schools nationwide make energy upgrades, decrease energy use and costs, and foster healthier learning environments.
