DOE is also launching the Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools Prize (Energy CLASS Prize). In response to overwhelming stakeholder feedback that many school districts lack the bandwidth and knowledge to find and fund projects, this prize facilitates capacity-building within local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify and implement health and energy improvements, especially in disadvantaged school districts.
The Energy CLASS Prize program will total $4.5 million and provide awards for LEAs to staff and train select administration and facilities personnel as energy managers. Up to 25 LEAs will receive $100,000 in cash prizes to support these energy managers’ participation in 80-160 hours of online training over a 12-month period. Throughout the program, energy managers will develop critical skills in areas such as benchmarking, operations and maintenance, strategic energy management, navigating funding options, and community engagement. Participants will also have access to one-on-one professional mentorship and coaching on projects specific to their schools. At the conclusion of the training, LEAs can submit a progress report and - based on performance - may qualify for an additional $50,000 cash prize. Applications for the Energy CLASS Prize will open in November 2022 and close in February 2023.
To learn more about the grant and prize, visit DOE’s webpage on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities.
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Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
