The K-12 Computer Science Education Advancement Grant is to support the expanded access of CS education to all K-12 students in Minnesota, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to support LEAs in developing a plan for expanding and sustaining equitable computer science, and to support educators in delivering high-quality computer science instruction.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Education
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/13/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes funding available to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), or a consortium of LEAs, for the implementation of high-quality educator training and planning for K-12 expansion of computer science (CS) learning experiences. This initiative aligns with the Minnesota Computer Science State Strategic Plan and aims to enhance K-12 CS education across Minnesota by providing support for awareness building, district planning, and professional learning opportunities for educators.
The grant supports professional development, resources, district planning, and other essential components to build a robust K-12 computer science education ecosystem within LEAs.
Funding Information
- $165,000 is available to fund up to 11 grants of $15,000 each for applicants new to computer science with no current computer science offerings.
- $250,000 is available to fund up to 5 grants of $50,000 each for applicants with an existing computer science program looking to expand.
Grant Period
The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from November 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Uses of Funds
For all grants, funds may be used for:
- Planning for LEAs to implement or expand K-12 computer science education opportunities. This could be demonstrated by data on teacher training, number of computer science learning offerings within K-12, and/or number of students participating in computer science learning offerings.
- Creation of a CS plan or implementation/expansion of an existing CS plan, including strategies to increase overall computer science participation, especially among traditionally underrepresented subgroups, including Black, Hispanic/Latine, Tribal Nations and Indigenous learners, English learners, female-identifying learners, LGBTQ+ learners, learners who receive special education services, learners from rural, urban, or small schools.
- Employment or contracting personnel to support the development or implementation of a CS plan.
- District-wide CS awareness building with families, students, school staff, and community.
- Funding high-quality professional learning opportunities for K-12 computer science content, for example, using the criteria from the Computer Science Teachers Association.
- Travel expenses, sub pay, and/or stipends for K-12 educators to attend computer science training.
- Employment or contracting personnel to develop programs and deliver training.
- Development or implementation of supports for implementation of high-quality CS instruction, such as mentoring and coaching
- Creation or purchase of resources to support implementation.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible entities for this grant are Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) or a consortium of LEAs in Minnesota. An LEA may not both apply individually and as part of a consortium of LEAs.
This funding is intended to support LEAs that are new to offering computer science or are interested in expanding their computer science offerings. Applicants will identify if they are:
- New to computer science with no computer science offerings currently; or
- Have existing computer science offerings and are looking to expand their computer science learning experiences.
For more information, visit MDE.
