Education
BY ELLE BENT & BRITTANY ANDERSON
Austin ISD receives $15M solar energy grant Austin ISD is the only district in Texas receiving a federal grant for solar panels on campuses. The grant totals $15 million and is awarded through the U.S. Department of Energy. District officials said this will impact 15 schools—14 of which will receive rooftop solar panels, and four of which will receive building automation controls, which monitor energy systems. “These solar panels will enable us to harvest the sun’s renewable energy, and building automation is going to let us monitor our HVAC systems in real time, helping better manage energy and mitigate potential problems,” AISD Director of Sustainabil- ity Darien Clary said. The district will increase its current 2 mega- watts of energy generated by existing panels by 5 megawatts, AISD Superintendent Matias Segura said, meaning AISD generates more solar energy than any other Texas school district.
Austin Community College to get grant Austin Community College officials announced a $7.5 million grant awarded from the U.S. Department of Defense that will go toward the development of semicon- ductor training programs. Last fall, ACC launched its Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start program, offering training for manufacturing techni- cian roles. In March, ACC officials partnered with The University of Texas and the Texas Institute for Electronics to create a semiconductor training center, opening by January. The $7.5 million grant was awarded to UT and TIE, which distributed the funds to ACC. TIE has committed $3.75 million in funding to develop the center. In total, the partner- ship has amassed $11.25 million in funding to ACC.
Allison Elementary School Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders Eastside Early College High School Solar in schools The grant will impact the following schools:
Govalle Elementary School Houston Elementary School LBJ Early College High School Norman-Sims Elementary School Rosedale School Sanchez Elementary School T.A. Brown Elementary School Widen Elementary School Liberal Arts and Science Academy Mendez Middle School Rodriguez Elementary Liberal Arts and Science Academy
Mendez Middle School Rodriguez Elementary Overton Elementary School
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Full-day Pre-K Needs Full-Day Funding
DID YOU KNOW?
The state requires full-day pre-K but only funds half the day.
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