TDEC Honors Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County Schools for Environmental Innovation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced that Clearloop and the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) are the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions toward environmental education and outreach, and the highlighted initiative, Energize STEM, showcases how renewable energy can be effectively integrated into K-12 education. As the awards program marks its 40th anniversary, this year’s selection not only underscores the commitment of recipients but also shines a spotlight on the increasing intersection of education and environmental stewardship.

Energize STEM is a collaborative program that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making renewable energy concepts accessible to students in Tennessee. Partnered with Silicon Ranch and the nonprofit KidWind, this initiative provides educators with the tools they need to teach renewable energy principles effectively. Through the program, teachers receive not just training but also hands-on materials and live data from the 1 MW Silicon Ranch Jackson II solar project. This innovative program has already reached over 2,500 students during the 2024–2025 school year alone and is set to expand further, demonstrating a measurable positive impact in rural and underserved communities.

The significant achievements of Energize STEM in its inaugural year have paved the way for expansion into additional counties and states. In particular, its growth from Jackson to Haywood County Schools in Brownsville showcases the program’s versatility and potential scalability. With continued traction, the program has engaged 80 teachers across 23 schools, positioning it as a frontrunner in the movement towards integrated environmental education. Some schools participating in the program are on the path to achieving Tennessee’s State STEM School Designation, reiterating the program’s systemic significance and effectiveness in further embedding STEM resources within the educational framework.

The implications for contractors and service providers in the environmental education and renewable energy sectors are substantial. The funding of programs like Energize STEM indicates strong support from state-level environmental and educational agencies for endeavors that align with both community outreach and renewable energy education. Service providers should consider evaluating potential partnerships with school systems and state agencies throughout Tennessee as these collaborative efforts not only facilitate educational advancement but also open avenues for securing funding or contract opportunities in the growing field of environmental education.

Procurement Implications: Programs promoting renewable energy education are likely to receive additional funding from federal and state agencies, fostering a favorable environment for contractors. Contractors should align themselves with educational institutions to tap into the growing demand for integrated environmental education curricula. Additionally, partnerships with established organizations such as Silicon Ranch and KidWind can enhance contract proposals and align them with current educational priorities emphasized by TDEC.

The state’s focus on integrating renewable energy concepts into education will promote broader community awareness and action towards environmental stewardship. Organizations looking to gain a foothold in this domain must prepare to respond to imminent requests for proposals focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the context of sustainability. As such, keeping abreast of funding announcements related to environmental education and competing for contracts in this fluid landscape will be crucial for success.

• TDEC awards Clearloop and JMCSS for the Energize STEM program.
• Solar project data provides tangible learning experiences for students in rural communities.
• Energize STEM reached 2,500 students in its first year.
• Expansion into Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana suggests increased regional opportunities.
• Focus on environmental education presents new avenues for contractors in education and renewable sectors.
• Partners like Silicon Ranch and KidWind reflect a collaborative procurement climate.
• Two schools are progressing towards Tennessee’s State STEM School Designation.
• Awards program honors ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship over the past 40 years.