FY 27 Computer Science Incentive Fund – ENDORSEMENTS
Can you apply?
This grant is for Iowa public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives to fund teacher endorsements in Computer Science and CTE-Information Technology. Eligible teachers pursue one of four endorsements: K-8 Computer Science (277), 5-12 Computer Science (278), K-12 Computer Science Specialist (2781), or 5-12 CTE Information Technology (279). Funds reimburse tuition (up to $500 per credit), textbooks and materials (up to $500), and associated fees. Awards run July 1 through September 30 of the following year. Mileage, stipends, and substitute fees are not reimbursable.
This grant is for Iowa public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives to fund teacher endorsements in Computer Science and CTE-Information Technology. Eligible teachers pursue one of four endorsements: K-8 Computer Science (277), 5-12 Computer Science (278), K-12 Computer Science Specialist (2781), or 5-12 CTE Information Technology (279). Funds reimburse tuition (up to $500 per credit), textbooks and materials (up to $500), and associated fees. Awards run July 1 through September 30 of the following year. Mileage, stipends, and substitute fees are not reimbursable.
Program description
667406 – FY27 Computer Science Incentive Fund ENDORSEMENTS This application is for Computer Science and CTE-Information Technology endorsement grants ONLY .Districts and schools seek professional development funding should apply through the Computer Science Incentive Fund – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT funding opportunity. The goal of the Computer Scie3nce Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) is to build the capacity of Iowa K-12 schools to provide high-quality computer science instruction. Eligible applicants include all Iowa public school district, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives consisting of one or more public school districts, nonpublic schools and/or area education agencies. Grant funds are made available to eligible applicants to provide tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers seeking endorsements (277 – K-8 Computer Science, 278 – 5-12 Computer Science, 2781 – K-12 Computer Science Specialist, 279 – 5-12 CTE Information Technology). Participants must complete a pre and pos assesment using the Iowa CS Teachers Self-Reflection Tool in the Attachment section of the grant, to be submitted with the final grant report. Reimbursement funding may cover tuition (up to $500/credit), textbooks and materials (up to $500) and associated fees. Mileage, stipends and sub fees are not permitted. Reimbursement funds are distributed to the district. The life cycle of the current award runs July 1 of the current year and ending September 30 of the following year. All CS funding oopportunities work on a reimbursement basis directly to the districts/schools awarded. Funds muyst be expended prior to the close of the associated spending windows, and claims must be submitted for reimbursement. Please read all associated guidance documents thoroughly.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Iowa public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives to fund teacher endorsements in Computer Science and CTE-Information Technology. Eligible teachers pursue one of four endorsements: K-8 Computer Science (277), 5-12 Computer Science (278), K-12 Computer Science Specialist (2781), or 5-12 CTE Information Technology (279). Funds reimburse tuition (up to $500 per credit), textbooks and materials (up to $500), and associated fees. Awards run July 1 through September 30 of the following year. Mileage, stipends, and substitute fees are not reimbursable.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form
- Teacher endorsement program enrollment documentation
- Tuition receipts and cost documentation
- Iowa CS Teachers Self-Reflection Tool (pre- and post-assessment)
Program contact
- 👤 Michelle Meier
- 📧 michelle.meier@iowa.gov
- 📞 (515) 281-5294
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Iowa public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives of public districts, nonpublic schools, or area education agencies. Applicants must be seeking to reimburse teachers for endorsement tuition.
What endorsements are covered?
K-8 Computer Science (277), 5-12 Computer Science (278), K-12 Computer Science Specialist (2781), and 5-12 CTE Information Technology (279).
What costs are reimbursable?
Tuition up to $500 per credit, textbooks and materials up to $500, and associated fees. Mileage, stipends, and substitute fees are not allowed.
How long does the award run?
Awards run from July 1 through September 30 of the following year (15 months). Funds must be expended within this window.
Are there assessment requirements?
Yes, teachers must complete pre- and post-assessments using the Iowa CS Teachers Self-Reflection Tool and submit results with the final grant report.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read all guidance documents thoroughly before applying. This is a reimbursement-based grant with specific spending windows and claim submission requirements.
- Verify that teachers are pursuing eligible endorsement codes. Ineligible endorsements will not be reimbursed.
- Track all supporting documentation (tuition receipts, textbook costs, fees) carefully. Reimbursement claims require detailed proof.
- Plan ahead for the July-September spending window. Allocate funds early and submit claims promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
- Ensure teachers complete both pre- and post-assessments using the required Iowa CS Teachers Self-Reflection Tool before the grant concludes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying for professional development funding through the wrong opportunity (use Computer Science Incentive Fund – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for PD, not endorsements). Including ineligible expenses like mileage, stipends, or substitute fees in reimbursement claims. Failing to submit pre- and post-assessments with the final grant report.
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