Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $47 Million for School Infrastructure Investments

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced today that it will be granting eight new awards, totaling over $37 million, to support America’s School Infrastructure (SASI) program. In addition, there will be one new grant of $10 million for the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) program. This $47 million investment by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) aims to enhance states’ capacity in aiding school districts to improve their facilities, resulting in more equitable access to healthy, sustainable, and modern learning environments for all students. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, along with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, will be highlighting this announcement during their visit to Virginia today.

According to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, these new investments in school infrastructure reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to student success and environmental conservation. Modern and well-maintained facilities, coupled with healthy learning environments, have been proven to increase student achievement, reduce absenteeism, and improve teacher retention. The Department of Education is dedicated to providing safe and healthy 21st-century schools that inspire learning and bring out the best in every student.

Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) emphasized the urgent need for improvements in public school infrastructure, citing the detrimental effects of outdated and hazardous school buildings on both students and teachers. He welcomes the investments announced by the Education Department, as they will help increase school districts’ capacity to enhance their infrastructure.

The SASI program, the first of its kind in the Department’s history, aims to boost states’ capacity to assist underserved school districts in improving their facilities. States that receive SASI funds will be able to conduct needs assessments, hire additional staff, and develop/improve infrastructure data systems. The NCSI program, on the other hand, will establish a national clearinghouse and technical assistance center, consolidating federal resources related to public school infrastructure improvements. NCSI will also provide targeted technical assistance to SASI grantees to enhance state expertise in school infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is also unveiling information on how school districts can apply for tax credits for clean energy infrastructure through the Inflation Reduction Act. This act, which supports clean energy, presents a unique opportunity for K-12 school districts, and the NCSI program will provide technical assistance on federal opportunities, including these tax credits.

The Department collaborates with various federal agencies such as the Treasury, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to provide resources, funds, and incentives that promote equitable access to healthy, safe, sustainable, and modern school facilities. Initiatives such as Renew America’s Schools, Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, and Energy CLASS Prize have been established to address energy improvements, technical expertise, and recognition for schools’ efforts. The EPA also has initiatives focused on air and water quality, including grants, rebates, and programs for lead testing and reduction. In addition, the White House has published a toolkit with federal resources for addressing school infrastructure needs.

A list of the SASI grantees and the NCSI grantee, along with their respective funding levels over five years, is provided below:

AgencyTotal Funding Level over Five Years

Alabama State Department of Education

$4,565,574

Arizona Department of Administration

$4,997,500

California Department of Education

$4,992,083

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System

$4,999,005

Oregon Department of Education

$4,999,997

Pennsylvania Department of Education

$2,644,993

Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

$4,960,860

Virginia Department of Education

$5,000,000

The NCSI grantee is listed below:

Grantee ConsortiumTotal Funding Level over Five Years

Institute of Urban and Regional Development at the University of California-Berkeley, 21st Century School Fund, National Council on School Facilities, and Child Trends

$10,000,000

For more information about each program’s awards, please visit the SASI and the NCSI. Also, refer to the ED Infrastructure and Sustainability Initiative for additional details on public engagement efforts in these areas.