The Renew America’s Schools grant was the first round of funding from the Renew America’s Schools Program. This competitive award focused on funding infrastructure upgrades at K–12 public school facilities, prioritizing high-need school communities. The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) launched in November 2022, and the application period closed on April 21, 2023.
Demand for this funding was unprecedented. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) from 48 states and two territories submitted over 1,000 concept papers, totaling nearly $5.5 billion in requests. After receiving feedback on their project proposals, 236 LEAs from 44 states submitted eligible full applications, with requests totaling $1.62 billion.
In response to the high demand and overwhelming evidence of public need, the Department of Energy (DOE) more than doubled the funding for the 2022-2023 Renew America's Schools grant, from $80 million to $178 million. After extensive review of a highly competitive field, DOE identified 24 Selectees that demonstrated significant technical merit and responsiveness to the goals of the funding opportunity.
Congratulations to our Selectees!
Renew America’s Schools Grant: Selected Local Education Agencies
- Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria, VA
- Austin Independent School District, Austin, TX
- Baltimore County Public Schools, Windsor Mill, MD
- Bridgeport Public Schools (in partnership with University of Connecticut), Bridgeport, CT
- Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools (in partnership with Region Five Development Commission), Cass Lake, MN
- Charlo School District, Charlo, MT
- Choctaw County School District, Weir, MS
- Clinton School District, Clinton, AR
- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Fairbanks, AK
- Greenup County School District, Greenup, KY
- Jefferson County School District, Birmingham, AL
- Kane County School District, Kanab, UT
- Matchbook Learning Centers, Indianapolis, IN
- Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN
- Natick Public Schools, Natick, MA
- North Wasco County School District 21, Mosier, OR
- Nottoway County Public Schools, Blackstone, VA
- Porterville Unified School District, Porterville, CA
- St. Maries School District #41, Saint Maries, ID
- University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
- Warner Public Schools Oklahoma, Warner, OK
- White River School District 47-1, White River, SD
- William Penn School District, Yeadon, PA
- Winnett Public School District #1, Winnett, MT
Selectee Fast Facts
More Information
The Department of Energy announced selections for the Renew America's Schools grant on June 29, 2023. On March 20, 2024, the Renew America's Schools program announced that applications are open for the second round of funding: the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize.
Selectees for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize are anticipated to be announced in August 2024.
Eligible projects include energy infrastructure improvements that reduce building operating costs—like new HVAC and ventilation systems, building envelope and lighting projects, and renewable energy technologies. Funding is also available for alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fueled vehicle infrastructure.
- Read the 2024 Prize Rules and learn how to apply for the second round of funding from the Renew America's Schools Program
- Read the Press Release announcing the opening of the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize
- Read the Press Release announcing the 2023 Selectees
- Read the Press Release for the 2022 FOA
- Read the 2022 FOA
Review the Media Promotion Toolkit for ways to engage with and amplify the news of the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize.
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