Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs
Eligibility
Title I-A funds are available to California schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families. Eligibility is based on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Districts with at least 35% low-income students are typically eligible for schoolwide programs.
- Eligible: California public schools with high poverty concentration
- Schoolwide programs (40%+ low-income students) have the most flexibility
- Targeted assistance programs serve individual students who are failing or at risk
- Funds distributed through CDE based on enrollment and poverty data
Program Goals
Title I, Part A is the largest federal K-12 education funding program at over $16 billion per year. Its purpose is to improve academic achievement in schools and districts with high concentrations of low-income students. Schools use these funds for high-quality instruction, technology, enrichment programs, tutoring, and professional development.
Schools can use Title I funds to build and expand STEM programs, purchase instructional technology, and provide hands-on learning experiences that raise academic outcomes in math, science, and literacy.
Application and Distribution
Title I-A is a formula grant. Districts receive allocations automatically through CDE based on census poverty data. Districts include their spending plans in the consolidated ESSA application. Individual schools access funds through their district's Title I plan, which must be reviewed and approved annually.
Grant Award Amount
California receives approximately $2.5-$3 billion in Title I-A funds annually. Individual school and district allocations range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on enrollment and poverty concentration. A 500-student school with 60% low-income students might receive $200,000-$400,000 per year.
Allowable Purchases
STEM Tools, Technology, and Enrichment Materials
Title I-A funds can be used for instructional materials, technology, and enrichment programs that improve academic achievement. STEM kits and coding curriculum qualify as instructional materials in schoolwide programs.
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Hands-on coding and physical computing kits that support math and science skills in elementary and middle school. Proven in Title I settings across North America. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Introduces AI concepts to students who might not otherwise access this content. Supports 21st-century skill development and career readiness for students in high-need schools. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Connects coding to science and environmental literacy. Supports cross-curricular learning goals common in Title I improvement plans.
Keep in Mind
If your school has 40%+ low-income students, you can run a schoolwide Title I program and use funds for any school improvement activity. Targeted assistance programs have stricter use requirements.
Title I spending must connect to your school's comprehensive needs assessment and improvement plan. Frame STEM tool purchases as part of a broader strategy to improve math and science achievement.
Federal rules require Title I funds to add to, not replace, state and local spending. Make sure you are using Title I to expand your program, not substitute for existing budget commitments.
Keep records of how students who use the tools perform on academic assessments. This data supports continued funding and justifies the program in your school improvement documentation.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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