Wanting to reduce utility costs, improve indoor air quality, and improve learning environments long-term? You will want to check out the Energy CLASS Prize.

Similar to Renew America’s Schools grant, The Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools (CLASS) Prize is now open for submissions. A total of $4.5 million is available through the U.S. Department of Energy’s State and Community Energy Program Office. The prize will provide training and cash prizes to school districts working to make energy management a sustainable feature of their communities.

You will want to register (link removed) for a Feb. 7 online session to learn more about the program as well as ask questions.

A total of $4.5 million in awards is available, which breaks down to $3.75 million in cash prizes for selected schools to fund energy management professionals-in-training, and an additional $750,000 in technical assistance from Energy CLASS Training Network partners. Experts in the Energy CLASS Training Network will provide professional development and support to Energy CLASS participants throughout the program.
 
Here are some key points:

  1. Join Energy CLASS Prize Office Hours (link removed) on Feb. 7, noon to 1:30 p.m. to ask about eligibility, submission expectations for Phase 1, rules, upcoming deadlines, and more.
  2. Check out the prize FAQs or watch the Energy CLASS Prize Informational Webinar for further information.
  3. Follow the Energy CLASS Prize on HeroX to stay up-to-date on all prize-related news.
  4. Note: Phase 1 submissions are due on Feb. 28 by 4 p.m.