GPS Earns $25,000 Grant Through TVA School Uplift Program

Girls Preparatory School has been awarded a $25,000 Learning Environment Grant through the Tennessee Valley Authority EnergyRight School Uplift program, recognizing the school’s yearlong commitment to reducing energy use and promoting sustainability across campus.

The grant follows months of intentional effort led by science teacher Dr. Brandon Noel, who guided students, faculty, and families in adopting energy-saving habits. From simple daily practices like adjusting blinds and turning off lights to broader awareness campaigns, the GPS community worked together to reduce overall energy consumption.

“We’ve been working hard all year to reduce our on-campus energy consumption and spread awareness to our students, faculty, and families and to our community,” Dr. Noel said. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts with this grant.”

As part of the School Uplift Program initiative, Dr. Noel also secured EPB/TVA EnergyRight Home Kits for every GPS student. The kits included energy-efficient tools such as LED light bulbs, a low-flow showerhead, faucet aerators, a smart power strip, and other resources designed to help families reduce energy use at home.

"In our ongoing efforts to ensure we are good stewards of our environment and set a standard of excellence for our school community, we are so proud to receive this grant and applaud Dr. Noel for his devotion to our sustainability work," said Megan Cover, Head of School. In 2024, GPS installed solar panels to provide a clean source of efficient power on campus thanks to a generous individual donation and a Southface GoodUse grant, which covered 70 percent of costs, plus support from the federal Inflation Reduction Act direct pay program, which covered the remaining 30 percent. The purchase and installation of the panels and inverters presented zero expense to GPS. 

The School Uplift program is a yearlong energy management training initiative that helps schools improve learning environments while lowering utility costs through smarter energy use. This year, the program partnered with local power companies across seven states to support 121 schools in reducing energy waste. Over the past five years, more than 440 schools have participated, with many achieving average energy savings of nearly 10 percent through behavior changes alone.

“Every dollar invested helps schools allocate resources to what truly matters—providing quality education for our children,” said Ray Knotts, senior director of TVA’s Demand Management. “We’re proud of the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants, who are dedicated to reducing energy waste and building a stronger future.”

This recognition reflects GPS’s continued commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and empowering students to make a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community.