Department of Development Awards $300,000 to Support Energy Based Curriculum in K 12 Schools

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Development today announced $300,000 in grant awards to support the creation of energy efficiency and renewable energy curriculum in K-12 schools across the state.

Today's awards will empower five organizations across three counties to establish educational programs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy in K-12 schools. Selected projects were eligible to receive up to $75,000 in grants through this program.

"Our responsibility to create a more sustainable future starts with ensuring our young people understand the importance of investing in renewable energy," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "The students who benefit from this curriculum today will be the ones who help create a better Ohio tomorrow."

The following entities will receive grant funds:

Columbus Preparatory Academy (Franklin County) will receive a $50,000 grant to develop a 7th/8th grade problem-based learning program for energy efficiency, based on real-world efficiency challenges in the school.

Embold, Inc. (Richland County) will receive a $50,000 grant to develop and integrate an energy efficiency module into Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training for high school students in multiple communities throughout Ohio.

National Skilled Trades Network (Franklin County) will receive a $75,000 grant to educate and engage K-12 students in energy efficiency and renewable energy topics in the construction trades, including training in the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy options.

Ohio Energy Project (Franklin County) will receive a $50,000 grant to provide energy efficiency curriculum guides and kits to elementary schools throughout Ohio, which includes a set of activities to do in the classroom and at home.

Sinclair Community College (Montgomery County) will receive a $75,000 grant to develop curriculum for K-12 field trips and summer camps that include topics about energy efficiency and other sustainability best practices.

The funding for these grants comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.