 OSPI CS Website | OSPI CS EmailNewsflashOSPI CS Grants Important UpdateOSPI Ed Tech GrantsNTIA Digital Equity Competitive GrantOSPI CS Grants Important UpdateAgency policy on state grants, which includes the two computer science grants that recently opened for applications, has been updated. In the previous news bulletin announcing the grants (included and updated below for reference), one important change that was noted was the stipulation that grant funds could only be utilized for expenditures made starting from the date the grantee was awarded funding. That constraint has since been revised to how it previously stood:Funding through the OSPI CS grants may be utilized for valid expenditures and services received from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, regardless of when recipients are awarded funding.In other words, regardless of the precise date final allocations are made for the CS grants and recipients are notified, recipients may use those funds toward valid expenditures from throughout the fiscal year, July 2024 – June 2025, not just from September onward. Any interested applicants may adjust their applications accordingly if the proposed project includes work done this summer from July leading up to September. Original bulletin amended with the above update:The 2024-25 computer science grants administered by OSPI are now available on EGMS! There are two different CS grants, both of which are competitively awarded:FP 777 Computer Science and Education (2024-25)FP 656 AP Computer Science Initiative (2024-25)Applications are due September 6, 2024. Both grants are opening simultaneously this year with the same timeframe for accepting applications. After the deadline, no further applications will be accepted. All submissions made within the application window will go through a review process (as timely as can be managed), and final recipients will be selected and notified. The awarded allocation may differ from what was proposed in the application. In some cases, applicants may be contacted for further information before final decisions are made.There are two is one important changes to OSPI state grants relative to previous years that are is now established:All applications are handled entirely through EGMS. Any interested applicants who do not have access to EGMS should coordinate with their organization administrator (link on the right-hand side of this page).Only expenditures and services received after the recipient has been awarded funding and through June 30, 2025, may be reimbursed. Grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis and may no longer be applied retroactively. In other words, applications should not include project plans leading up to September.Grant DescriptionsGeneral details about each of the grants can be found on the OSPI CS Grants webpage and more details on the application page on EGMS. Below are summaries of each grant.Computer Science Education Grant (FP 777)The broader of the two grants, the CS Education grant goes toward projects that support K-12 computer science education. There are three versions of this grant that may be applied for:Planning (fixed $5,000): Intended to cover the cost of SCRIPT training. This training is designed for districts and state-tribal education compact schools (STECs) to develop an implementation plan for CS in their schools and is therefore intended for districts/STECs without existing CS offerings.Implementation (up to $30,000): Intended for applicants in the first few years of their CS implementation plan. Typically used to cover costs for hardware upgrades, software or curriculum purchases, and educator professional development; other project ideas may be valid depending on the type of activity.Sustainability (up to $15,000): Effectively the same as Implementation but for a smaller requested budget proposal and generally signaling that the CS program is fairly established but is in need of additional support.A private match is required except for districts and STECs with greater than 50% students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.Eligible applicants include schools, districts, STECs, educational service districts, and non-profits or higher education organizations partnering with other eligible applicants.Priority is given to applicants with significant engagement with underserved populations.AP Computer Science Grant (FP 656)Typically around $6,000 to $8,000 are awarded per grantee for expenditures related to the implementation of AP Computer Science coursework, such as establishing partnerships with industry professionals to provide instruction or purchasing curriculum, professional development, or technology needed for AP CS instruction.Eligible applicants include schools, districts, and STECs.Priority is given to applicants in rural areas and with significant populations of low-income students.For questions regarding the CS grants, reach out to Terron Ishihara, Computer Science Program Supervisor: terron.ishihara@k12.wa.usEGMS ResourcesFor questions about accessing or navigating EGMS:first check the EGMS resources page for more information,reach out to your organization administrator (list is linked on the right-hand side of the resources page) for specific questions, orif further support is still needed, contact egms.support@k12.wa.us.OSPI Ed Tech GrantsThis is a separate, related funding opportunity offered by OSPI through the Educational Technology department.The OSPI Educational Technology department is excited to offer three grants this year:Digital Navigation (FP 280)Device Maintenance and Replacement (FP 202)Adaptive & Inclusive Technology (FP 282)For detailed descriptions of each grant, please visit our website: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/school-technology/digital-equity-and-inclusionWebinar Link: September 12, 2024 at 3:45 PM: [Register Here]We look forward to your participation and hope these grants will support your efforts in enhancing educational technology and digital equity in your schools. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information: OSPIEdTechDept@k12.wa.usNTIA Digital Equity Competitive GrantThis is a copy of the July 24, 2024 newsletter from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, included here to share a timely, relevant funding opportunity open to local education agencies. This is a federal grant program separate from OSPI’s grant opportunities. Note that there is an informational webinar on July 25.Today, NTIA is proud to announce a nearly $1 billion Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This is the first funding opportunity from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the third of the three Digital Equity Act programs. Now, non-profits, local educational agencies, workforce development organizations, political subdivisions, agencies, state instrumentalities, Tribes, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other community anchor institutions will be able to apply for Competitive Grant Program funds. Territories are also eligible for funds under this funding opportunity. These competitive grants will resource initiatives that support populations most impacted by digital divides. Low-income households, older adults, justice-impacted people, people living with disabilities, rural communities, and racial and ethnic minority groups are among the populations served by this program. Additionally, competitive grant investments are an essential complement to broadband deployment strategies. We need you. NTIA is calling on organizations, large and small, to scale efforts to expand digital opportunities. Your organization’s work to ensure telehealth access, promote skills training, optimize small business connectivity, and various other initiatives enables households nationwide to participate in the digital economy. Interested applicants are encouraged to act now! Review the Digital Equity Competitive Grant NOFO and Application Resources. The application deadline is September 23, 2024.Learn about how your state or territory plans to expand digital opportunities at internetforall.gov. Subscribe to the BroadbandUSA Newsletter to receive NTIA e-mail updates. Follow NTIA on social media or on our website at www.ntia.gov for information. Check out the Digital Equity Technical Assistance Hub for application help.Develop a timeline for completing your application.Begin gathering partnership letters and authorizations, both written and signed. These letters provide credibility and expertise, and will further your project’s reach. For more information on creating data-driven applications and other Internet for All initiatives, view the following resources: NTIA Internet for All Digital Equity PageDigital Equity Act Population ViewerRegister for the informational webinar on July 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET. For all other concerns, questions, and resources, please reach out to NTIA at digitalequity@ntia.gov.Let’s make “Internet for All” a reality.ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives. |
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