Porterville Unified School District Selected to Receive Funding From the Department of Energy’s Renew America’s School Grant!
PUSD student interns recognized by staff as part of an energy competition. 2022.
The Porterville Unified School District (PUSD), in partnership with CAPS, was selected for the Renew America’s Schools grant, a funding opportunity from the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act. Out of 236 full applications submitted from 44 states across the nation, PUSD was one of only 24 selected to receive this highly competitive grant. The Renew America’s Schools grant is a first-of-its-kind competitive award that focuses on funding infrastructure upgrades at K–12 public school facilities, prioritizing high-need school communities.
PUSD’s achievement was made possible through its climate education and workforce development programs for students — developed in a partnership between PUSD and CAPS. Through the partnership with CAPS, PUSD is providing students with paid, real-world training that prepares them for careers in the green economy; reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy expenditures in their schools; and lays the foundation for a more sustainable, thriving future for people and the planet. To date, CAPS has helped Porterville raise $15.1 million in funding to help create climate-ready schools through student-led climate action.
Funding will support the implementation of energy improvements in K-12 schools across the country, allowing schools to lower energy costs, lower emissions, and create healthier, safer, and more supportive learning environments.
The $5.8 million grant will be allocated to upgrade eight schools in the district with high-efficiency lighting, install district-wide Building Automation Systems (BAS), install fully electric HVAC system replacements, and implement CAPS student internship & energy engineering program. These building investments will create more efficient, healthier learning environments for students, teachers, and school communities while lowering energy costs and emissions. The student internship program maximizes these investments by providing students with invaluable project-based learning opportunities while introducing them to green careers that can positively impact local economies with well-paying jobs. CAPS is proud to work alongside PUSD to be a leader in energy efficiency and health.
Climate Action Pathways for Schools works closely with school districts to prepare students for the green workforce by providing inspiring hands-on learning opportunities. Learn how we can work together to build a future where students have meaningful career opportunities and attend healthy, sustainable schools.