Federal Grant Opportunity
K-12 Energy Upgrade Grants Available: The US Department of Energy has opened applications for its 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will award $180 million to school districts across the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades at K-12 schools, lowering energy use and costs, improving indoor air quality, and fostering healthier learning environments. These grants will invest in school facilities that demonstrate the need for both energy improvements and financing, with a focus on Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that qualify as disadvantaged and/or rural. Eligible improvements – like new HVAC and ventilation systems, building envelope and lighting projects, alternative fuel, and renewable energy technologies – will result in improved health outcomes, energy savings, and/or energy cost savings.
The deadline to apply for the grants is Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 5pm EDT. Click here for more information on how to apply.
April 15, 2024 Headlines From the Weekly Report Include:
As FY 2024 Budget Is Completed, Work on FY 2025 Begins: US Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona testified before the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee to outline the Biden Administration’s education budget request for FY 2025, which starts October 1. Secretary Cardona said that the Department’s budget is a choice to provide a stronger future for all and to close achievement gaps, especially for low-income students through Title I, students with disabilities through IDEA and multi-lingual learners through Title 3 III, and to recruit, retain and develop great teachers. He continued that it is a “responsible choice” to invest in safer schools through investments in school counselors and school-based mental health programs. For a summary of Secretary Cardona’s appearance before the committee, click here.
April 22, 2024 Headlines From the Weekly Report Include:
Education Department Issues Title IX Rule: The long-awaited rule from the Department of Education has finally been issued, offering protections for LGBTQI+ students and employees, as well as pregnant individuals, and against sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. This new rule defines sex-based harassment to include various forms of discrimination such as sex stereotypes, characteristics, pregnancy-related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
However, opposition to the rule has emerged among many Republicans. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, criticized the rule, arguing that it undermines existing due process rights and contributes to what she perceives as the Democrats’ divisive cultural agenda.
The final rule is slated to be published in the Federal Register later this month, with schools and colleges given until August 1 to implement it. The Education Department has offered several resources including a fact sheet, a summary of major provisions, and guidance for drafting nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures.