UPDATED INFORMATION AND PROCESS FOR FY24. PLEASE READ ENTIRELY.
This application is for Computer Science and 5-12 CTE Information Technology endorsement grants ONLY . Districts and schools seeking professional development funding should apply through the CS INCENTIVE FUND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT funding opportunity (ID# 463662).
Reimbursement funding may cover tuition (up to maxiumum $705/credit), textbooks (up to $300) and associated fees. Mileage not permitted. Stipends not permitted. Sub fees are not permitted.
Reimbursement funds go to the district, not the teacher(s). All tuition expenses must be paid prior to September 30, 2024. Any program going beyond that date, requiring purchases beyond that date, will require another application to be filled out for the next cycle.
The goal of the Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) program is to build the capacity of Iowa K-12 schools to provide high-quality computer science instruction. Eligible applications include all Iowa school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, or collaboratives consisting of one or more school districts, nonpublic schools, and/or area education agencies.
Grant funds are made available to eligible applicants for the following purposes:
A school district, or an accredited nonpublic school, or a collaborative may apply to the department to receive moneys from the fund to provide proven professional development activities for Iowa teachers in the area of computer science education.
Apply for professional development through funding opportunity ID# 521434.
A school district or accredited nonpublic school may apply to the department to receive moneys from the fund to provide tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers seeking endorsements or authorizations for computer science under section 272.2, subsection 20.
Funds will be awarded through a competitive application process, allowing schools to create innovative, diverse approaches to providing professional learning and scaling high-quality computer science instruction across Iowa. Priority will be given to applicants that most clearly demonstrate a proposal that will expand the reach and rigor of computer science, including expanding participation of underrepresented students.
For the current award, the life-cycle runs for the fiscal year, beginning July 1 of the current year and ending September 30 of the following year.
Funds must be used to increase high-quality computer science instruction based on the Iowa Computer Science Standards.
Please note all CS funding opportunities work on reimbursement basis directly to the district / schools awarded. Funds must be expended prior to the close of the associated spending window and claims submitted for reimbursement. Please read all associated guidance documents thoroughly.
