TVA enhances education by awarding $2.2 million in building upgrade grants to help make classrooms safer and more comfortable
Funds will directly aid student learning and save schools money on their energy bills
KNOXVILLE, TN – Schools across the region will have more money back into their tight budgets and cleaner air within their facilities thanks to $2.2 million in energy efficiency grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The grants are expected to save 16 schools across five states an average of 10% on their energy bills. 
Today, TVA announced the list of schools awarded as part of a three-year, $7.3 million School Uplift pilot, a free year-long training program that helps public schools cut their energy waste through behavioral changes by engaging students, faculty and staff.
The grants further increase schools’ energy savings and safety by providing building upgrades such as LED lights and HVAC replacement – which could include UVGI lights to address COVID-19 issues. TVA grants ranged from $100,000 to $400,000.
“Our children are our most important asset, and a good education is the pathway to a brighter future,” said Cindy Herron, vice president, TVA Energy Services & Programs. “Making classrooms safer and more comfortable for both students and teachers is key. In addition, helping schools save money on their power bills ensures resources are allocated to where it matters most – educating our children.”
TVA plans to help up to 160 schools save money on their power bills through the program. Last year, 11 schools earned grants and collectively saved $119,000. One specific school, Alvin C. York Institute, in Jamestown, Tenn., saved over $43,000 annually.
This year’s grant winners include:
| Alabama
L.E. Willson Elementary School, Sheffield W.A. Threadgill Primary School, Sheffield
Georgia Rossville Middle School, Rossville
Kentucky Fulton Independent High School, Fulton Graves County Middle School, Mayfield
Mississippi Choctaw County High School, Ackerman H.W. Byers High School, Holly Springs
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Tennessee
Bledsoe County Middle School, Pikeville Etowah City Elementary School, Etowah Mountain City Elementary School, Mountain City Oakdale High School, Oakdale Power Center Academy High School, Memphis Power Center Academy Hickory Hill Elementary School, Memphis Woodbury Grammar School, Woodbury Warren County High School, McMinnville Whitsitt Elementary School, Nashville
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School Uplift is one of many TVA programs focused on helping students learn and compete for the more than 2.4 million science, technology, engineering and math jobs that go unfilled. Last year, TVA awarded $1 million in STEM Grants, helping more than 106,000 students develop STEM skills, sponsored robotics in 163 schools, and promoted financial skills by managing one of the largest student investment programs in the nation.
“TVA is committed to helping schools prepare students for tomorrow’s high-tech careers,” said Herron. “Partnering with communities to make classrooms safer and more engaging will help the next generation of innovators achieve their dreams.”
Learn more about School Uplift at https://energyright.com/
Media Release/Scott Fiedler,
TVA Public Relations
