CSDC Selected to Receive U.S. Department of Energy Grant to Implement Clean Energy Improvements to Schools Nationwide

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Launched Renew America’s Schools Program in 2022, Committing $500M for Clean Energy Improvements in K-12 Schools

Charter Schools Development Corporation (CSDC) is one of sixteen to Receive Funding in Competitive Grant Process to launch the Charters RISE program

Hanover, MD - The Charter Schools Development Corporation proudly announces its selection as a recipient of a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Renew America’s Schools Program. The first-of-its-kind program, launched in 2022, promotes the implementation of clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools across the country.  

CSDC has been awarded an initial $300,000 prize and was one of only 16 organizations chosen to collaborate with the DOE on a $15 million grant award that CSDC will invest in 13 Local Education Agencies (LEA) across 10 states – the largest number among awardees.

This initiative, Charters RISE, Renovating for Innovative Sustainable Education, is a collaborative effort with Ameresco and LISC to catalyze the charter sector toward a green transition via extensive community partnerships. The program aims to reduce facilities operations costs and manifest equitable access to cleaner, greener facilities, workforce development, and climate education.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this transformative initiative to catalyze sustainable facility solutions” shared Alan Washington, President and CEO, CSDC. "The Renew America’s Schools Program aligns perfectly with our mission to leverage our expertise in educational facilities while unlocking new funding streams for under resourced communities. This grant will enable us to implement sustainable facility solutions on a larger scale across the nation."

Michelle Prosperi, Chief Operating Officer, CSDC added, "Too often charter schools have to go without energy upgrades due to cost. The projects funded with this award will enhance energy efficiency and foster workforce development and climate education in participating schools. The impact of these renovations will be profound, not just financially and environmentally for the schools and students, but also in terms of community impact.”

For more information about Charters RISE or how you can unlock funding opportunities for your school please visit https://www.csdc.org/ or contact info@csdc.org.

About CSDC: Leading the Way with Smart & Innovative Facility Solutions

For over 25 years, Charter Schools Development Corporation (CSDC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has been a trailblazer, championing school choice and providing educational facility solutions in underserved communities. CSDC has supported over 230 schools in 30 states plus the District of Columbia.  

‍