Fayetteville High School, Ralph Askins Elementary School and Riverside Christian Academy have each been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in partnership with Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) as part of the School Uplift program.

Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. Since 2021, TVA has invested $13 million in School Uplift grants and helped more than 440 schools solve that problem and save on their energy bills.

School Uplift’s year-long energy management training program helps school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. Participating schools compete to earn $10,000 to $200,000 grants by cutting their energy waste through behavioral changes and by engaging students, faculty, staff and the community.

“School Uplift is another way we’ve partnered with TVA to invest in our community,” said FPU CEO/ General Manager Britt Dye. “We are so excited these local schools have earned these grants, which will enable administrators to improve facilities and make the school more efficient, healthy and comfortable for teachers and students. The faculty, staff and students committed to prioritizing energy efficiency over the last school year and earned these grants through their hard work.”

On average, participating schools have saved nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone. When savings from grant-funded energy upgrades are added, this year’s School Uplift participants have estimated total energy savings of 5.33 GWh.

“We’re extremely grateful to receive this TVA EnergyRight grant,” said Fayetteville High School Principal Spencer Perrin. “The School Uplift program helped our school community learn energy-saving practices that can make a real difference. This funding will allow us to create an outdoor classroom space where students can learn, collaborate and connect with the environment in new ways.”

“The School Uplift award is such a meaningful opportunity for our school,” said Ralph Askins Elementary School Assistant Principal Heather Bradley. “We are excited to use these funds to create experiences and opportunities that will directly impact our students every day. This grant represents more than just financial support; it is an investment in our children, our teachers and the future of our school. We are incredibly grateful to Fayetteville Public Utilities and everyone involved in the School Uplift program for believing in our vision and helping us continue to make a positive difference for our students.”

“The School Uplift program was a great blessing for our school,” said Riverside Christian Academy Business Operations Manager Beth Arndt. “We made new friends, learned a lot and were also able to save a considerable amount on our utility bills. Plus, the money we receive will be spread across multiple areas for improvements. The Energy Coach provided by TVA and our friends at FPU helped us through every step of the way. School Uplift is definitely worth the investment of time to help your school!”

TVA EnergyRight and FPU are currently recruiting K-12 schools for the 2027-2028 school year. Visit EnergyRight.com/school-uplift or contact TVA’s Lori Brown at llbrown6@tva.gov or Nickie Tucker at ntucker@fpu-tn.com to express interest in participating.