Grants & Funding
Applications Now Open for $4.5 Million in Energy CLASS Prize Program
Local education agencies can now submit applications for the Energy CLASS Prize, a program that aims to "make energy management a sustainable feature of their communities while positioning them to make meaningful infrastructure improvements that will reduce utility costs, improve indoor air quality, and improve learning environments long-term." Prizes include $3.75 million in cash and an additional $750,000 in technical support.
The Energy CLASS Prize program (Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools) will award $100,000 to up to 25 LEAs in the first phase. The money is designed to help train administrators and facilities staff and for other purposes. In phase 2, participants will have a chance to win a $50,000 bonus based of their original goals and current progress on meeting those goals.
The program is open only to LEAs or collectives (with a lead LEA assigned to the program). Applications are being accepted until February 28, 2023 at 2 p.m. Pacific.
Prospective applicants must register on the Hero X website in order to see the full details of the program. (Click the "Solve This Challenge" button to register.) An informational webinar, origitnally held last week, is also available for viewing.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).