California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding
Eligibility
All California public schools (TK-12) receive funding automatically. Private schools are not eligible. Funding flows to districts and charter schools based on enrollment size, with additional weight for schools serving low-income students and English learners.
- Eligible: California public TK-12 schools and districts
- At least 80% of funds must support arts instructor salaries
- Up to 20% is discretionary - available for supplies, materials, and training
- Schools with 500+ students must hire at least one dedicated arts teacher
Program Goals
Proposition 28, approved by California voters in November 2022, allocates 1% of the state's Proposition 98 K-12 education guarantee to arts and music programs. The intent is to restore arts education in schools that cut these programs due to budget pressures, and to expand access for all students.
California's arts standards include Media Arts - a strand that covers digital media, creative computing, and interactive design. Physical computing and coding projects qualify when connected to these standards.
Application and Distribution
No competitive application is required. The California Department of Education distributes funds automatically each fiscal year based on enrollment data. Districts and schools receive their allocation directly and must track spending to ensure compliance with the 80/20 spending requirement.
Grant Award Amount
Funding is approximately $1 billion statewide annually. Individual school allocations vary based on enrollment, ranging from roughly $100 to $600+ per pupil. Larger schools and those serving high-need populations receive proportionally more. Districts can see their estimated allocation on the CDE website.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
- Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.
Keep in Mind
When purchasing STEM or coding tools, write a brief note showing how the purchase connects to California's Media Arts standards. This protects your spending during any audit.
Most of your Prop 28 funds must go to arts instructor salaries. Only 20% is available for materials. Plan your materials budget accordingly.
Funds arrive automatically. Check with your district office to confirm your allocation and spending timeline for the current year.
Smaller schools have more flexibility in how they structure arts programs, which can create more room for integrated STEM-arts approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding in California?
All California public schools (TK-12) receive funding automatically. Private schools are not eligible. Funding flows to districts and charter schools based on enrollment size, with additional weight for schools serving low-income students and English learners. Eligible: California public TK-12 schools and districts At least 80% of funds must support arts instructor salaries Up to 20% is discretionary - available for supplies, materials, and training Schools with 500+ students must hire at least
How much funding is available through California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding?
~$1B statewide/year; avg. $100-$600+ per pupil. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
Do schools need to apply for California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding?
No competitive application is required. The California Department of Education distributes funds automatically each fiscal year based on enrollment data. Districts and schools receive their allocation directly and must track spending to ensure compliance with the 80/20 spending requirement.
How can Forward Education help with California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for California schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
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
Explore more California funding resources
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