Bright Ideas Grants
The PG&E Solar Schools Program will award up to $250,000 in grants to schools with Bright Ideas. The program is designed to support the understanding of renewable energy in public schools throughout northern and central California.
Who Should Apply
Credentialed teachers/professors/instructors, principals/deans/department heads, and distict administrators and facilities managers may all apply to receive a $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, 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/ WorkforceDevelopment 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.
Grant Application
Register and submit grant application online
- Spring Entries: Applications are due March 20. Winners will be announced in April.
- Fall Entries: Applications are due September 20. Winners will be announced in October.
