Throughout his analysis, students from Gesu Catholic School were able to conduct research on the benefits of solar energy and other sustainable development issues. In doing so, they learned to seek grants, advocate for a cause, understand the benefits of clean energy for health, and understand their role in environmental protection. Air pollution is the third leading cause of asthma, and solar energy reduces air pollution that causes asthma. The students of Gesu Catholic School learned that asthma affects 8% of all Americans, 20% of Michigan residents, and 27% of Detroit residents. Since January 2019, Gesu Catholic School has reduced its emissions by an average of 21 tons per year. The solar panels produce 17% of the school’s energy during the school year and completely power the school and church during the summer.
More recently, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep (CTK) and Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA), both from Chicago, have implemented large-scale solar energy programs. Since January 2025, the 322 solar panels installed on the roof of CJA have provided this elementary and middle school with over 110,000 kWh of electricity at no tuition cost. By the end of 2025, the savings amounted to over $3,000. Since the end of October 2024, CTK, a co-ed high school in the Cristo Rey Network, has generated over 401,778 kWh of electricity with its 719 solar panels installed on the roof, resulting in nearly $44,000 in savings by the end of December 2025.
These three school projects were funded through federal and state grants, public utility incentives, as well as support from John and Susan Dewan, co-founders of Dewan Solar and The John & Susan Dewan Foundation in Chicago.
“The installation of solar panels at CTK moves us towards a future that we can all be proud of,” said Maggie Deady, a social studies teacher at CTK. “Environmental sustainability is a key element of our Catholic social teaching. It is important that our students see that we are not just talking, but taking action when it comes to helping our environment and combating the climate change crisis.”
