Aveson Schools in Altadena Receive $650,000 EPA Grant for Electric Buses

Aveson Schools in Altadena has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to purchase electric buses and build supporting infrastructure. The funding, announced on Monday, is part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.

The grant marks a significant step in Aveson’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, according to a statement from Aveson Schools. It will enable the school to replace older, gas-powered buses with cleaner, more efficient electric models.

“Replacing our gas-powered buses with electric models will greatly benefit our community and the environment,” Ian McFeat, Executive Director for Aveson Schools, said. “These new buses are easier to use and less prone to breakdowns.”

McFeat added that the transition would eliminate the need for fossil fuels, reducing the school’s carbon footprint. The initiative aligns with Aveson’s dedication to outdoor learning and environmental care.

The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $5 billion over five years to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and clean alternatives. Aveson is one of three school districts in the San Gabriel Valley to receive this grant funding.

Grants under the program are distributed to school districts in nearly every state and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories.

Traditional school buses are among the largest contributors to pollution, the statement said. School buses travel over four billion miles each year, providing transportation for more than 25 million children daily. Diesel exhaust from these buses can negatively impact children’s health, as they have faster breathing rates and not fully developed lungs. The transition to clean energy buses is expected to significantly lower emissions and improve air quality in the area.

The EPA selected approximately 530 rebate applicants for funding totaling nearly $900 million. This will support the purchase of over 3,400 buses, 92% of which will be electric.

Aveson Schools, a public charter school, operates four campuses in Altadena. These include Aveson School of Leaders for grades TK-5, Aveson Global Leadership Academy for grades 6-12, Aveson Independent Study Academy for grades TK-6, and Aveson International Sports Academy for grades 6-12.

Aveson’s vision is to provide schools that are strengths-based, student-centered, and driven by students’ passion to empower them and give them a voice in their learning. The old gas-powered buses will be decommissioned as part of this transition.