|
Last month, DOE Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane visitethe Match High School and Career Center in Indianapolis. Supported by $5.3 million in investment from the 2022-23 Renew America’s Schools Grant, the school will offer career training programs in construction trades, engineering, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on serving underrepresented students. Crane's visit highlighted the school's innovative approach to education and its energy-efficient design, featuring insulated roofs, ultra-high efficiency HVAC units, and a photovoltaic solar & battery energy storage system. Read the full story to learn more about the project and Under Secretary Crane’s visit.
Energy CLASS Trainings and Upcoming Application
On August 5, 2024, the DOE Office of State and Community Energy Programs released Energy CLASS trainings to build capacity within local educational agencies (LEAs). This library contains 35 hours of free, on-demand content and can train staff within LEAs on operations and maintenance, strategic energy management, project development, funding strategies, and related topics to identify pathways to fund and implement energy and health improvements in their facilities and classrooms.
In partnership with DOE’s Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, there will be an opportunity for up to 50 school districts to receive coaching and 1:1 expert advice on strategic energy management, project development, funding pathways, and related topics to advance their district’s sustainability goals. Applications are anticipated to open early September. Check the Renew America's Schools page for updates.
Schools Can Now Access Grant Writing Support for EPA Grants
DOE Better Buildings Alliance member U.S. Green Building Council is offering grant writing tools and templates for schools interested in pursuing $10-$20 million grants from the EPA Community Change Grant Program. Schools in disadvantaged communities can access dedicated support to help with grant applications for environmental health and sustainable building improvements. Learn more here!
Power Your Future: Inspire Your Students to Lead Clean Energy Solutions
The U.S. Department of Education has launched the Power Your Future Challenge — the second challenge in its annual CTE Momentum series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education. The Department invites teams to submit action plans that will advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities.
To get started on the challenge, teachers and community partners can explore the available resources to learn more about clean energy and how teams can develop action plans to impact their communities. Submissions are due by November 19, 2024. Up to 10 winning teams will receive an equal share of the $50,000 prize pool.
Toolkit for Pennsylvania Schools Interested in Deploying Solar
To support school districts who may want to take advantage of solar opportunities, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has developed a Pennsylvania Solar for Schools Toolkit to assist them in navigating the process of deploying solar projects on K-12 educational facilities across the Commonwealth. The Toolkit is organized in ten basic steps, packed with links to excellent resources, and loaded with new tools, including a sample Request for Proposal and two proformas, one for direct ownership and the other for Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) so schools can compare different scenarios and variables to help make the best decision based on their situation and goals.
Questions?
Please reach out to Schools@doe.gov or visit the Renew America’s Schools website.
|
