Celebrating Earth Day 2026 with the Launch of 10 New Electric School Buses in Evanston
This Earth Day, STA’s Positive Connections location in Evanston, IL was proud to celebrate with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 as they took a huge step forward toward achieving their sustainability goals. STA supported the district’s goals by recently adding ten new electric vehicles to their fleet – and celebrated the milestone with them during their K-5 STEM fair, attended by the communities’ students and families on April 18. We are happy to help deliver on D65’s sustainability plan for building better and cleaner transportation options in their community.
The new electric buses and supporting charging infrastructure were made possible through a combination of federal EPA funding and Illinois state funding, reflecting a shared commitment to cleaner transportation and healthier communities. STA worked closely with District 65 and project partners to bring this vision to life, helping the district take a meaningful step toward reducing emissions and improving air quality around schools and neighborhoods.
“This Earth Day, we’re celebrating our team in Evanston, IL, who recently launched 10 new electric vehicles during their K–5 STEM Fair,” said STA Manager Mike Goff. “We’re proud to support communities like Evanston as they move toward sustainability and build cleaner transportation options that truly matter to the families they serve.”
The launch event was thoughtfully coordinated with the district’s annual K–5 STEM Fest, an educational celebration designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The day included a press tour that allowed local media to explore the new buses up close, an official ribbon‑cutting ceremony with representatives from Evanston/Skokie School District 65, STA, and IC Bus, and a lively “cardboard carnival” that filled the school with hands‑on activities for students and families.
One of STA’s new electric buses was staged onsite throughout the day, giving students the opportunity to climb aboard, ask questions, and learn how electric vehicles work. STA and District 65 staff engaged families with kid‑friendly activities, educational signage, and conversations about the district’s transition to cleaner transportation.
Electric school buses provide many health and safety benefits. With zero tailpipe emissions, they help reduce students’ exposure to diesel exhaust while boarding and riding, supporting better respiratory health. They are also much quieter than traditional buses, creating calmer rides, safer operating environments, and reduced noise in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Behind the scenes, STA is busy ensuring a safe and successful rollout. Drivers, mechanics, local government and community stakeholders, and other team members completed specialized training focused on electric vehicle operation, maintenance, and charging procedures. This investment in training ensures the buses are operated safely, efficiently, and reliably from day one.
As we mark Earth Day 2026, the launch of these electric buses stands as a meaningful example of how collaboration, innovation, and commitment can create a cleaner, healthier future for students and communities alike.
In the NEWS:
https://evanstonnow.com/youll-get-a-charge-out-of-this-one/
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/04/19/district-65s-new-electric-buses/
