Biden-Harris Invest $180M in School Energy Infrastructure

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched applications for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize, a part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The initiative will award $180 million to U.S. school districts that implement energy upgrades at K-12 schools, improving air quality and learning environments, especially in underserved communities. The first phase winners will receive a $300,000 cash prize and will move on to the second and third phases, where the award could range from $7.5 million to $15 million, depending on the portfolio size.

Energy Department Announces $180 Million for School Energy Upgrades

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has started accepting applications for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The program will allocate $180 million for energy improvements in K-12 schools. This initiative, funded through Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, promises to enhance indoor air quality and create healthier learning environments.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the significance of investing in children's health and education. The program's previous round of funding experienced a huge demand for school infrastructure upgrades.

The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize aims to invest $180 million in school facilities exhibiting a need for energy improvements and financing. The benefits of these investments include lower operating costs and improved student health outcomes, leading to enhanced academic performance.

Competitive proposals will implement energy assessments and building improvement projects across 10 or more school facilities. Each Phase 1 winner will receive a cash prize of $300,000 and move on to Phases 2 and 3, entering a Cooperative Agreement with DOE. Awards for Phases 2 and 3 could range from $7.5 million to $15 million.

The Renew America’s Schools Program helps reduce utilities costs, improve indoor air quality, and foster healthier learning environments. In 2023, the program invested $178 million in over 90 school facilities across 22 states, directly benefiting about 74,000 students and 5,000 teachers.

The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize facilitates application process by lowering entry barriers for districts and increasing federal funds accessibility. It promotes partnerships between school districts and industry experts, encouraging the creation of support networks that can provide earlier, targeted assistance.

This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and the Justice40 Initiative. The aim is to deliver lasting benefits to local communities through DOE’s Community Benefits Plan framework.

Applications for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize are currently being accepted by the DOE, with the deadline set for Thursday, June 13 at 5PM ET.

To apply, visit here. For application support and resources, visit this link.

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