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2010 Student Mini-Grants

For the first time ever, DEP and MEEP are awarding student groups with Mini-Grants to implement school energy efficiency projects.

For several years, student groups across Maine have been working hard to analyze, document and reduce the energy use of their schools. While many of the best energy saving ideas are free and have to do with behaviors and habits of the students and teachers, this monetary award will be one more resource for students.

Many student groups have already begun the process of borrowing an Energy Efficiency Investigation Toolkit, analyzing the energy use in their school and making recommendations on how to reduce energy use.


Sample reports from Maine Green Schools:

One or more of those recommendations can be tied into a Student Grant Application which may be funded and later implemented by students and staff. The official reviewing committee will be looking for proposals that include:

  1. A savings calculation including payback and possibly a cost-benefit analysis
  2. An educational component that will encourage continued awareness, even after these students have left.
  3. A plan for quick implementation of the project, possibly including matching funds or a strong commitment from building officials.

Download the Mini-Grant application and scoring rubric here!

The amount of money available for each school is limited and will depend on the number of applications received. It might be wise to include some sort of flexibility in the amount of money asked for: For instance the group may ask for $850 to equip all bathrooms with occupancy sensors, but could do the half of the bathrooms that are used the least for $400. As with most grants, this one will look for creativity and “bang for the buck”. This could be a great opportunity to introduce your students to the world of grants and give them the opportunity to be part of lasting change to their school.

Contact Beth Otto for more information.

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