BLOOMSBURG – Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) joined Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184), Bloomsburg Mayor Justin Hummel, and Bloomsburg Area School District leaders today to celebrate two Solar for Schools grants totaling $800,000 for the district’s high school and elementary school.
The event, held at W.W. Evans Elementary School, highlighted how the grants will support the district in moving forward with solar energy projects that reduce long-term utility costs, expand educational opportunities, and create local jobs.
Created through Act 68 of 2024, the Solar for Schools program was championed by Rep. Fiedler and passed with bipartisan support. It helps districts offset upfront costs of solar installation projects and is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Culver noted the benefits extend beyond energy savings:
- Savings: Solar projects save districts millions over time, keeping costs low for taxpayers.
- Education: Students gain hands-on STEM learning opportunities using real-time energy data from their own schools.
- Jobs: Local contractors, engineers, and trades benefit from new project opportunities.
- Bipartisanship: The legislation creating Solar for Schools was approved with overwhelming support from both parties.
“This program is about stretching taxpayer dollars while giving our schools the tools to plan for the future,” Culver added. “I am grateful to Representative Fiedler, the Bloomsburg Area School District, and all of our partners for their leadership on this important initiative.”
“I am so happy to know that, with the support of Senator Culver and the Bloomsburg school district, state funds are going to a place I hold close to my heart: my hometown and my alma mater,” Fiedler said. “Saving money through solar investments means more dollars going directly to the classrooms, so our students can learn at their best.”
The celebration concluded with a press availability and a school walkthrough to highlight the projects’ impact on facilities and classrooms.
CONTACT:
Sam Clepper