Shawnee Public Schools is proud to co-launch Recharge-OK, a new community-centered initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. The project focuses on electric school buses, energy resilience, disaster preparedness, and STEM engagement for students.
The March 25 kickoff brought together school leaders, students, community partners, technical experts, and regional collaborators to celebrate the start of this exciting work. The event showcased how electric school buses can go beyond transportation, serving as a forward-thinking solution to support community energy needs through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) innovation.
As part of Recharge-OK, Shawnee High School students will take part in the upcoming Student Innovation Challenge this April. This hands-on experience will give students the opportunity to tackle real-world energy challenges, collaborate in teams, and design creative awareness campaigns centered on electric school buses and community resilience.
“This initiative is an example of what happens when education, innovation, and community come together,” said Michelle Wallace, Director of Counseling and Community Engagement. “Our students are not only learning about the future of energy, they are actively shaping it. Opportunities like this empower them to think critically, lead confidently, and make a lasting impact right here in Shawnee.”
Recharge-OK reflects Shawnee Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to preparing students for the future while strengthening the community.