SMUD Shine Awards
Eligibility
K-12 teachers and schools within the SMUD service territory (Sacramento metropolitan area) are eligible. Programs must focus on energy, sustainability, environmental science, or STEM education. Teachers do not need to teach a science class to be eligible — programs from all subject areas are welcome if they incorporate energy or environmental themes.
Program Goals
The SMUD Shine Awards program recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers in the Sacramento region who create exceptional energy and sustainability learning experiences for their students. Award winners receive classroom grants to fund their programs and are recognized at the annual Shine Awards ceremony. The program supports SMUD's commitment to community education, clean energy, and environmental awareness among the next generation of Sacramento residents.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Teachers apply online through the SMUD website during the annual cycle, which historically opens in late spring or early summer. The current cycle is closed; the next is expected to open approximately June 2027. Applications require a program description, evidence of student impact, and a description of planned use for the award funds.
Cycle Notes
SMUD Shine Awards run on an annual cycle, typically opening in late spring. The current cycle is closed and the next is expected around June 2027. Award winners are recognized at a ceremony later in the year. Monitor the SMUD education page at smud.org for current cycle announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Shine Award winners receive classroom grants up to $5,000. Awards can be used for classroom materials, equipment, curriculum resources, and supplies that support the recognized energy or sustainability program.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — energy and environmental monitoring aligned to SMUD Shine themes
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for student energy and sustainability projects
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — sustainable agriculture and energy systems for classroom programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SMUD Shine Awards in California?
K-12 teachers within the SMUD service territory (Sacramento metro area) are eligible. Programs may cover any subject area that incorporates energy, sustainability, or environmental education.
How much funding is available through SMUD Shine Awards?
Award winners receive classroom grants up to $5,000 to fund their energy or sustainability program.
Can SMUD Shine Award funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. SMUD Shine Award funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do California teachers apply for SMUD Shine Awards?
Apply online through the SMUD website during the annual cycle, expected to open approximately June 2027. Submit a program description, student impact evidence, and a plan for using the award funds.
How can Forward Education help with SMUD Shine Awards?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for California schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes SMUD Shine Awards fund. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — California standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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