Program Description: The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), in partnership with the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC), is pleased to announce the Funding Opportunity Announcement for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Decarbonizing Public Schools Program to help Local Education Agencies (LEAs) develop capacity and advance strategies for promoting clean and efficient energy use within their portfolio of current and future K-12 schools and support facilities.

Program Purpose: The overall intent of the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program is to prepare LEAs, also known as school districts, to expand their capacity to manage energy data and to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions while designing for future high-performance schools. The program will provide approximately $38.8 million in funding from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, Climate Action Plan and Alternative Compliance Program to help LEAs develop and expand their capacity to address ongoing challenges and opportunities for controlling costs through energy data management, net zero energy design considerations for public school portfolio planning, solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades. Grant funding will be offered for multiple areas of interest (AOI).

Type of Program: Formula and Competitive, with consideration of need. Applicants may apply for funding to support one or multiple AOIs, for either their entire school district, for a significantly sized multi-facility subset or for individual school facilities.

Funding: A total of $38.8 million is expected to be available. The amount may vary depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.