State Programs: Computer Science Equity Grant Program
🏛 Illinois State Board of Education
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for K-12 public and charter schools in Illinois seeking to develop or enhance computer science programs. Eligible recipients include school districts and schools that serve students in any grade K-12. Applications must demonstrate commitment to expanding access to rigorous computer science education and serving underrepresented student populations in computing fields.
Schools can use funds to expand CS coursework offerings, provide teacher professional development, purchase equipment and materials, and design K-8 preparation initiatives for secondary CS pathways. The program prioritizes schools serving disadvantaged communities and building equitable access to computing education.
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Program description
A competitive grant program to support the development or enhancement of computer science programs in the K-12 schools. The purpose of the Computer Science Equity Grant is to support the development or enhancement of computer science programs in K-12 schools to:
• Expand learning opportunities in Grades K-12 to ensure that all students have access to computer science coursework that is aligned to rigorous state standards and emerging labor market needs;
• Train and retrain teachers of Grades K-12 to be more proficient in the teaching of computer science by providing professional development opportunities;
• Supply classrooms with materials and equipment related to the teaching and learning of computer science;
• More effectively recruit and better serve K-12 learners who are underrepresented in the computer science labor market for enrollment in computer science coursework; and
• Fund initiatives in any grades of K-8 that are designed specifically to prepare students in those grades to participate successfully in secondary computer science coursework or future computer science careers. This grant uses and unrestricted indirect cost rate.
Computer Science Equity Grant Program funds shall be used in the following manner consistent with application requirements established by the State Board of Education as provided in this Article:
(1) to expand learning opportunities in grades K-12 to ensure that all students have access to computer science coursework that is aligned to rigorous State standards and emerging labor market needs;
(2) to train and retrain teachers of grades K-12 to be more proficient in the teaching of computer science by providing professional development opportunities;
(3) to supply classrooms with materials and equipment related to the teaching and learning of computer science; and
(4) to more effectively recruit and better serve K-12 learners who are underrepresented in the computer science labor market for enrollment in computer science coursework. Beneficiaries: N/A Administered by the Illinois State Board of Education via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 586-43-3167).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Program Narrative/Project Description
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Equity and Access Plan (detailing underrepresented population recruitment)
- Teacher Professional Development Plan
- School/District Commitment Letter
- Curriculum Alignment Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Neha Thakkar
- 📧 standards@isbe.net
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Public and charter schools, school districts, and educational organizations in Illinois serving K-12 students. Individual schools may apply if they meet program requirements.
What is the funding range and deadline?
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000. The deadline is August 3, 2026. Consult the Illinois State Board of Education for application timing and procedures.
What activities and expenses are eligible?
You can fund teacher professional development, computer science curriculum development, equipment and materials for classrooms, and recruitment initiatives for underrepresented students.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. However, schools should demonstrate sustainability plans for programs beyond the grant period.
How competitive is this program?
With $1.5 million in total funding and awards up to $100,000, competition varies annually. Strong applications emphasize equity, underrepresented populations, and alignment with state CS standards.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on serving underrepresented students in CS, including girls, students of color, and low-income populations. The program prioritizes equity outcomes.
- Clearly align proposed coursework and standards with Illinois state CS standards and emerging labor market demands. Show how your program prepares students for careers.
- Include a detailed professional development plan for teachers. Specify training hours, topics, and how teachers will support CS instruction after the grant ends.
- Provide a clear budget breakdown for equipment, materials, and PD. Show that requested items directly support your CS program goals and target populations.
- Develop a sustainability plan explaining how the program will continue after grant funding ends. Include commitment from school leadership and any local funding sources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to adequately address equity and recruitment of underrepresented students in CS. Applications must demonstrate meaningful outreach strategies. Proposing vague or misaligned professional development that doesn't build teacher proficiency in CS instruction. Requesting equipment without clear connection to curriculum and student learning outcomes.
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