The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, a $180 million investment in K-12 public schools across the country. This three-phase opportunity will help districts build capacity, perform energy audits, and plan/implement energy improvement projects across a portfolio of school facilities. The deadline to apply is at 4 p.m. (CTS) June 13.
Eligible recipients include educational institutions, local governments, native/tribal entities, non-profits, private sector and state governments.
The DOE launched the $500 million Renew America’s Schools Program in 2022 to promote the implementation of clean energy improvements at K-12 public schools across the country. This first-of-its-kind investment, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aims to help school communities make energy upgrades that will decrease energy use and cost, improve indoor air quality, and foster healthier learning environments.
The Renew America’s Schools program has since invested $182.5 million in public school districts across America. The $4.5 million Energy CLASS Prize (2022–2024) helped Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) build capacity for energy management and prepare to implement energy-infrastructure upgrades. The $178 million Renew America’s Schools grant (2022–2024) funded clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades at over 90 school facilities in 22 states—directly benefiting more than 74,000 students and 5,000 teachers.
The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize consists of three phases.
Phase 1 (Prize): Portfolio + Team = Up to 23 Winners at $300,000 cash prize each
Phase 2 (Cooperative Agreement): Strategic Plan + Energy Audits = $500,000 to $1,000,000 per grantee
Phase 3 (Cooperative Agreement): Implementation = $7,000,000 to $14,000,000 per grantee
Click here to read the Rules document; find information about helpful webinars, Office hours, and the DOE Schools Teaming Partner List; and to start an application. For more information, visit the Renew America’s Schools Program website.