TVA invests $3.3M in 121 schools for cleaner classrooms and next generation energy education
Since 2021, TVA's School Uplift program has offered schools energy efficiency training and funding, investing $13 million in more than 440 schools and helping them cut energy bills by an average of 10% through simple behavioral changes.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has awarded more than $3.3 million to 121 schools across its seven state service area through its “School Uplift” program in support of energy and classroom upgrades for the next generation.
This year, the 121 schools are projected to save a estimated 5.5 GWh of energy. To put it into perspective, this is enough to power 18,000 homes for a month.
More than numbers
While this energy conservation is needed to build a more sustainable future, the impact goes beyond numbers. TVA explains that LED lighting improves student focus, better ventilation means cleaner air and brighter classrooms lift the mood of students and teachers alike. And, when a school spends less on infrastructure basics like keeping the lights on, that money can go back into actual education.
“TVA and local power company partners are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through School Uplift,” said Ray Knotts, TVA senior director of demand management. “By reducing energy costs, we’re making more funds available for education and creating a better learning environment for students and teachers that helps give every child the opportunity to succeed.”
Several Tennessee schools earned the program’s top grants
Awards ranged from $10,000 to $210,000, based on each school’s success cutting energy waste, engaging their community and a needs-based facility assessment.
Tennessee’s top grant participants included:
- The King’s Daughters’ School (Columbia)
- Normal Park Museum Magnet Lower School (Chattanooga)
- Community Montessori School (Jackson)
- Johnson County High School (Mountain City)
- Johnson Learning Center (Nashville)
- McNairy Central High School (Selmer)
Community Montessori, one of only two public district Montessori schools in Tennessee, will use its award to upgrade a 1957 facility in Jackson.
“Winning this amazing grant has enabled us to implement meaningful energy-efficiency improvements that will have a lasting impact on our facilities, our operating costs, and our environmental responsibility. Our entire staff and student body worked together to complete the grant with TVA and the upgrades will enhance the comfort and safety of our learning spaces AND allow us to redirect valuable resources back into academic programs and student support,” said Principal Melinda Harris.
Even across the state, school leaders in Chattanooga echoed the sentiment.
“We are grateful to be selected as recipients of the TVA School Uplift Grant and for the opportunity to invest in improvements that directly benefit our students and school community at Normal Park Museum Magnet – Lower School Campus. By enhancing lighting, heating, and overall efficiency in our historic building, we are creating more comfortable, sustainable spaces where students can focus, learn, and thrive. These upgrades not only reduce energy consumption and long-term costs, but also ensure our facilities better serve future generations of learners,” said Principal Dr. Jamelie Johns.
TVA is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 “School Uplift” cohort. Public and private schools across TVA’s seven-state service area can apply here.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!