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Funding will support electrification efforts in eight school districts across the state
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $9.5 million in funding for eight school districts and private transportation providers as part of the third round of the School Bus Deployment program. This initiative, led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), supports communities in replacing diesel-powered school buses with electric alternatives.
The MassCEC School Bus Deployment program provides both financial support and hands-on technical planning assistance to ensure a smooth transition for school districts. The program also focuses on supporting high-need and environmental justice communities.
“Electric school buses are an example of how we can improve public health across the state,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper. “MassCEC’s School Bus Deployment program not only funds new vehicles, it provides school districts with the necessary support and expertise to switch to electric. Our goal is to ensure every community reaps the benefits of this critical transition.”
“Students and school districts deserve a less polluted environment than is currently the case with diesel bus fleets. The growing shift to electric buses represents a transformative opportunity to modernize transportation while cutting costs as well as creating a learning opportunity for students and communities,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “MassCEC supports two-thirds of the electric school buses in the state, enabling communities to pilot innovative solutions, gain hands-on experience with electric vehicle technology, and lay the groundwork for long-term fleet electrification across the Commonwealth.”
MassCEC School Bus Fleet Deployment Round 3 Grant Awards:
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Acton-Boxborough Regional School District - $1,432,952
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Beacon Mobility supporting Ipswich Public Schools - $1,100,000
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Beacon Mobility supporting Salem Public Schools - $1,300,000
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Beverly Public Schools - $1,459,000
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First Student, Inc supporting Fitchburg Public Schools - $1,604,255
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Highland Electric supporting Amherst-Pelham Regional School District - $500,000
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Highland Electric supporting Hingham Public Schools - $500,000
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Mercedes Cab supporting Cape Cod Regional Technical School - $1,998,264
“Transitioning to electric school buses is a meaningful investment in the well-being of our students and the future of our communities,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “This program showcases what’s possible when we prioritize sustainability and equity in our investments, and I’m grateful to our partners at MassCEC and MassDEP for leading this important work.”
To date, the MassCEC School Bus Program has awarded more than $27.5 million to school districts and consultants, leveraging more than $100 million in external funding. MassCEC is now accepting proposals for Round 4 of the program, with applications due by June 13, 2025 at 4pm ET. Selected applicants will be eligible for up to $2.5 million in funding per project to support electric school bus deployment and associated costs, along with access to technical consulting services.
For more information about the School Bus Deployment Program, and to apply for Round 4 funding, visit www.masscec.com.
About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.8 billion in private and public funds.
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