The 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, a $90 million investment in K-12 public schools across the country, was launched by DOE in December 2024 and the application period will close in April 2025. This three-phase opportunity will help districts build capacity, perform energy audits, and plan/implement energy improvement projects across a portfolio of school facilities.

The 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize consists of three phases. During Phase 1, competitors will build teams and curate lists of at least 10 schools and school facilities that demonstrate compelling 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. 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.

Successful competitors will:

• Establish the need for both energy improvements and financing across the proposed portfolio
• Demonstrate overall team capacity to manage projects across the portfolio
• Propose a comprehensive plan for executing Phase 2 (energy auditing and design) activities
• Engage in replicable, strategic partnerships to build capacity at LEAs/across the K-12 sector, while leveraging funds to enhance the impact of federal dollars
• Establish a strategic approach to delivering community benefits that advance the following goals: community and labor engagement, investing in job quality and workforce continuity; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); and contributing to the Justice40 Initiative.