(WHTM) – Six local schools were among the dozens that received a piece of the $22.6 million awarded Tuesday to install solar panels.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced the funding as part of the  Solar for Schools Grant Program. The funds will allow schools to purchase and install solar panel equipment while, state officials say, helping reduce carbon emissions and create jobs.

Steelton-Highspire School District was awarded $446,363 to install high-efficiency solar panels. The project will also integrate renewable energy education into the district curriculum, providing hands-on STEM learning.

Also in Dauphin County, Williams Valley School District High School received $500,000 for its “solar for schools” project.

Two schools in the Chambersburg Area School District also received funding through the grant. Scotland Elementary’s solar project received $400,000 and Fayetteville Elementary’s solar project received $291,814.

Carlisle Area School District’s Crestview Elementary School is receiving $252,000 and Newport High School’s rooftop solar project is being awarded $348,816.

“Energy is one of the top expenses for schools, which is why investments in solar energy can help to maintain long-term financial stability and improve the quality of education they offer students,” said Secretary Rick Siger. “Those savings can then be channeled into more resources for our teachers and students, and also create good-paying clean-energy jobs and job training opportunities.”