2010 Applications - Deadline for Fall Submission is September 20, 2010 - Online application

$250,000 in $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000 grants will be given

PG&E Expands the Solar Schools Bright Ideas Program to Bring More Environmental Resources and Programs to Public School

PG&E recognizes that public schools are facing hard economic times. This is why the company has expanded its Bright Ideas Grant Program to include new categories that will provide additional learning opportunities for students and teachers while creating energy and money saving programs for school campuses throughout northern and central California.

Who Should Apply: Credentialed teachers, professors, instructors, principals, deans, department heads, district administrators and facilities managers may apply to receive a $1000, $2,500, $5000, or $10,000 grant to promote environmental stewardship in any of the five following categories:

Educational Solar Projects: Successful submissions will include innovative classroom and extracurricular programs/projects that explore the science of solar energy and the generation of electricity from solar  

Youth Energy and Environmental Programs: Successful submissions will include energy efficiency, recycling, composting, water reclamation and/or gardening programs and clubs that serve as learning and leadership opportunities for students, the faculty, and the community at large.

Renewable Energy or Science Related Field Trips: Successful submissions will include  transportation, admission, or expenses associated with field trips that excite students about science, energy, careers in energy and the environment.

Green Your School Projects: Successful submissions will include energy efficiency upgrades, energy monitoring systems, and communication tools that will promote energy education and smart energy use at the school and in the community.

Professional Development/Service Learning Projects/ Workforce Development Programs: Successful submissions will include projects that expand the teacher’s knowledge about renewable energy, energy resources and/or the future of the energy industry. High Schools and Community colleges may consider using the funding to create programs and curriculum to address workforce development in the growing renewable and efficiency industry and service learning opportunities in the local community. 

What’s available? Schools chosen to receive a "Bright Ideas Grant"are asked to designate attendees to attend the training programs provided by the PG&E Solar Schools Program.

How do we apply? The 2010 application is available in an Online format to submit directly to us.    Spring 2010 Grants will be announced by June 1.

A final report of grant activities for those receiving grants in the including photos, multi-media presentations, activites and lessons prepared for the project and documentation is due one year after the receipt of the grant.  Reports should be sent to Mary Spruill, NEED Project, 8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, Virginia 20110 via mail or via email to mspruill@need.org. 

Anything else?
Create a scrapbook/portfolio of student work resulting from your project and submit to NEED Youth Awards for Energy Achievement in April of each year.