The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the $500 million Renew America’s Schools Program to promote the implementation of energy improvements at K-12 public schools across the country. This is a first-of-its-kind investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program supports the implementation of infrastructure improvements in schools, with a focus on local educational agencies (LEAs) that qualify as rural and/or high poverty. The program will help create healthier learning environments, lower utility costs, and redirect funds to support students and teachers.
The Renew America’s Schools Program released its first round of funding in 2022 with the Renew America’s Schools Grant. In March 2024, the program announced applications were open for a second round of funding, the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant. This opportunity advanced its efforts to stimulate investments in the K-12 energy infrastructure sector and create pathways for school districts across the country to plan, finance, and implement energy upgrades. To date, the Renew America’s Schools Program has invested $372.5 million in public school districts across America, supporting capacity-building initiatives for energy management at over two dozen Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and funding improvement projects at approximately 410 facilities across 36 states - directly benefitting approximately 197,000 students and 14,000 teachers.
The 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize implements a prize-to-cooperative-agreement funding model to streamline and expedite the application process and provide winners earlier and more targeted support. Like the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize will fund energy-efficient and clean energy infrastructure improvements at school districts across America.
The 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, a $90 million investment in K-12 public schools across the country, was launched by DOE in December 2024 and the application period will close in April 2025. 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 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize consists of three phases. During Phase 1, competitors will build teams and curate lists of at least 10 schools and school facilities that demonstrate compelling need and eligibility for investment. Up to 14 Phase 1 Winners will earn a cash prize of $300,000 for successfully building teams and submitting compelling applications identifying need. DOE will down select to identify winners who may move on to Phases 2 and 3, wherein they will enter and execute Cooperative Agreements with DOE.
Successful competitors will:
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