The Mattoon CUSD2 Board of Education recently accepted a grant from the Lumpkin Family Foundation for a Green Energy Project. The grant will allow for a solar canopy over the LIFT parking lot and will also include electric vehicle charging stations. The grant award total is $492,974.60 - the largest grant the foundation has awarded this year.
“LIFT was designed to develop innovative leaders, and we are thrilled to have the Lumpkin Foundation's support with that vision, specifically in the expansion of a Green Energy Project. While these projects provide immediate energy solutions to the community and our LIFT facility, the long-term win is exposing students to technology and renewable energy concepts that will enable them to lead innovations for the future,” stated Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Christy Hild.
Electric Vehicle owners can use an AC or DC charger at LIFT while they enjoy the Mattoon downtown area. Students will also get to learn EV concepts, manage the stations, and earn industry-recognized credentials.
The solar canopies will provide a highly visible model for sustainable energy and an opportunity for students to learn how to manage and apply solar concepts. The energy production will offset the LIFT building’s energy consumption and the RECS Program will pay the district directly. Due to the Lumpkin Family Foundation grant, this money would become immediate savings to the district.
"The Lumpkin Family Foundation is excited to support LIFT's leadership on clean energy, and we're confident it will benefit students across East Central Illinois," stated Executive Director Bruce Karmazin.
We appreciate the generous grant from the Lumpkin Family Foundation and express gratitude for their ongoing support of our schools as well as innovative practices in our region. We would also like to thank Commercial Electric for its programmatic support and design. Commercial Electric came up with the designs and will be working to complete the project. They will also be donating solar panels for classroom lab use.
"Commercial Electric is thrilled to be a part of this exciting time for the school district and surrounding communities. The EV charging stations and solar canopies will provide innovative technologies that students can use to educate themselves about future technologies and employment paths available to them. Our team here at CEI believes the future is bright and cannot wait to see the next generation of skilled individuals make their way into the workforce," stated Company President Megan M. O'Dell.
The start date for the Green Energy Project is anticipated for September 2022.
Below are additional project details.
