Announcing: Zero Emission School Bus and Fleet Transition Grant

Application period open February 12, 2026 - April 23, 2026

Read the Grant Guidelines Now

Funds available: $15 million

This notice announces funding available on a competitive basis to help schools in Washington reduce toxic diesel and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fueled school buses by transitioning their fleets to zero emissions. Funding is also available for the development and implementation of vocational training projects to support the maintenance and operation of zero emission equipment.

Funding is available for:Zero emission school bus projectsVocational training programs 

Eligible Applicants: 

• Zero emission school bus projects: 

  • School bus owners that transport students to K-12 schools overseen by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Vocational training projects: 

  • Cities, counties, Tribes, public utility districts/co-ops, transit authorities, school districts including skills centers, state government, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and local clean air agencies.

Eligible Projects:

• Zero emission school bus projects 

  • Vehicle replacement – Scrap and replace existing eligible school buses with new zero emission school buses, including fleet transition and infrastructure equipment and activities associated with each replacement

  • Additional fleet transition and infrastructure – Purchase equipment and conduct activities needed to support zero emission school bus maintenance and operations, including charging infrastructure

• Vocational training projects 

  • Train school bus mechanics, bus drivers, and office staff about the maintenance and operation of zero emission fleets

  • Prepare 8th-12th grade students for jobs created by transitioning diesel/fossil-fueled fleets to zero emission fleet

Learn more at Department of Ecology's website.