he U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize. This initiative will invest an anticipated $90 million in school districts around the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades in their schools.

The prize focuses on improving air quality, reducing energy use and costs, and lowering emissions across school facilities, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged and/or rural local educational agencies (LEAs). This funding is available for various energy improvements, including HVAC systems, building envelope enhancements, lighting upgrades, renewable energy technologies, alternative energy-fueled vehicles, infrastructure, and more.

During Phase 1 of the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, teams will identify a portfolio of eligible school facilities demonstrating both need and eligibility for energy improvements. 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. Awards made in Phases 2 and 3 will vary by portfolio size but could range from $7.5 million to $15 million.