The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will offer $90 million for facility upgrades that improve health, safety, and energy costs in K-12 public schools across America. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this third round of funding builds on $178 million awarded in 2023 and $190 million awarded in 2024.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said, “Empowering school districts to make transformative energy upgrades creates tangible benefits in and out of the classroom. We’re not only lowering costs and creating healthier learning spaces but also fostering partnerships that create good-paying jobs.”

The 2025 program will invest an anticipated $90 million in school facilities that demonstrate the need for energy improvements and financing, focusing on Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that qualify as disadvantaged and/or rural. Eligible improvements include new HVAC, building envelope, lighting, and renewable energy projects that help reduce building operation costs. Funding is also available for alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure.

Eligible submissions will improve indoor air quality, reduce energy use and costs, and lower emissions while establishing a need for both energy improvements and financing across a portfolio of 10 or more school facilities.

Similar to the last round of funding, the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize is a three-phase award. During Phase 1, competitors will build teams and curate lists of school facilities that demonstrate both 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.

The 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 the agency. Awards made in Phases 2 and 3 will vary by portfolio size but could range from $7.5 million to $15 million. The DOE will issue the largest awards to portfolios serving 20 or more school facilities, offering $15.3 million to winners in this category for completing all three phases.

Submissions are due on April 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. More information is available here.

The post DOE Offers $90M to Public Schools for Clean Energy Upgrades appeared first on Facilities Management Advisor.