Small Changes, Big Impact: The Ripple Effect of Energy Efficiency at Journey Coleman School in Memphis
The air crackled with excitement as students, teachers and the community gathered at Journey Coleman School in Memphis, Tennessee. This was no ordinary Friday — it was a celebration of heritage and progress. The TVA EnergyRight’s School Uplift event coincided with the school’s Black History Month program, creating a powerful fusion of past and present while looking toward a brighter future.
The audience was captivated as the school choir’s harmonies filled the room and dancers took the stage. Students shared heartfelt poetry, their words echoing the resilience and determination that define the North Memphis community. In this underserved neighborhood, where opportunities often feel out of reach, Journey Coleman School is more than just a place of learning — it’s an example of unity, resilience and progress.
The celebration also marked a significant milestone for the school: being awarded a $410,000 TVA EnergyRight School Uplift grant. This substantial investment will fund critical LED lighting and HVAC upgrades, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The grant represents more than just financial support; it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to its youth.
An Energy-Efficient Transformation
TVA EnergyRight’s School Uplift supports schools in the region by offering energy efficiency training and grants that reduce energy costs by up to $7,500 per year and improve the quality of the learning environment. The impact of School Uplift at Journey Coleman has been profound. The school has been able to implement crucial upgrades, including LED lighting and HVAC replacements, projects that are projected to save the school over $21,500 annually in energy costs.
Principal Latoya Jeems, who has led the school through this transformative period, embraces the partnership with TVA. “The fact that TVA is invested in schools and the community — that’s the greatest impact.”
By upgrading its infrastructure and reducing energy use, Journey Coleman has not only improved its bottom line but also created a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for its students with better lighting and air quality in the classrooms. These changes have had a ripple effect as students and staff become more conscious of their energy use and how they can contribute to ongoing savings.
Empowering Students as Energy Champions
One of the most exciting elements of School Uplift is its ability to engage students in energy conservation. Journey Coleman students have become active participants in the program, learning the importance of turning off lights, managing energy consumption and understanding how their everyday actions impact the school’s energy savings. This hands-on involvement has turned students into energy champions, and their contributions are expected to drive additional savings.
As Matt Seigel, CFO for Journey Community Schools, notes, “Our students are helping us save money just by being part of the process. They’re learning valuable lessons about conservation, and they’re applying those lessons both at school and at home.”
This focus on student engagement is one of the reasons why School Uplift is more than just an energy efficiency program—it’s an educational tool that teaches real-world skills. Students are not only seeing the immediate impact of their actions but are also developing a broader understanding of sustainability and the role they can play in creating a greener future.
Community Collaboration and Support
For Journey Coleman, the success of the School Uplift program is a reflection of the power of community collaboration. The school’s leadership, staff and students worked closely with TVA and other partners to make the program a reality. These partnerships and the school’s deep commitment to energy savings have resulted in a model that other schools can look to as they embark on their own energy efficiency journeys.
Charlie Caswell, Shelby County Commissioner for District 6, emphasizes the importance of involving community partners in these initiatives. “Anytime we can, from a local government perspective, have partners that are willing to make investments into our community, it’s a tremendous advantage. It allows us to focus on other areas of need for our students and families.”
This collective effort has been critical in making Journey Coleman’s participation in School Uplift such a success. Through the program, TVA has not only provided financial resources but also ongoing support, training and guidance to ensure that the school can maximize its energy savings and continue making improvements for years to come.
A Bright Future
As Journey Coleman School continues to benefit from the changes made through School Uplift, the future looks bright for both the school and its surrounding community. The grant provided by TVA is just the beginning. These investments will continue to pay dividends as the school reaps the rewards of reduced energy costs, enhanced infrastructure and a more engaged student body.
What’s even more promising is the long-term impact of the program. By instilling a culture of energy awareness and conservation within the school, Journey Coleman is laying the foundation for a new generation of energy-conscious individuals who will carry these lessons with them into the future.
“I’ve visited multiple times over the years and have witnessed the evolution of leadership to serve this underserved community. This is a great place to be,” explains Mark Yates, Regional Vice President West Region, TVA.
For TVA, programs like School Uplift are about more than just saving energy. They’re about empowering schools and communities to take control of their energy use, improving learning environments and investing in the well-being of future generations. Journey Coleman’s success is a shining example of what’s possible when schools and communities come together to embrace energy efficiency.To learn more about the School Uplift program and how to apply or to get involved in energy conservation efforts in your community, visit our School Uplift page here.
