Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)
Eligibility
All California local educational agencies (LEAs) are eligible for Title IV-A funds. Allocations are formula-based, but districts must spend a minimum threshold before accessing certain provisions. Districts with allocations of $30,000 or more must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment before spending.
- Eligible: All California public school districts and charter schools
- Districts receiving $30K+ must conduct a needs assessment
- Funds divided across three pillars: well-rounded education, technology, and school safety
- Technology programs must spend no more than 15% on devices alone (content and PD required)
Program Goals
Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants have three pillars. The first is well-rounded educational opportunities - programs like STEM, arts, music, and foreign language. The second is technology and computer science - expanding access to coding, CS education, and digital learning tools. The third is school safety and mental health.
The technology pillar explicitly includes computer science education, coding, robotics, and physical computing. This makes Title IV-A one of the most direct federal funding sources for classroom coding and STEM programs.
Application and Distribution
Title IV-A is included in the consolidated ESSA grant application that California LEAs submit to CDE each year. No separate competitive process is needed. Districts receive their allocation based on enrollment and include a spending plan as part of their consolidated application.
Grant Award Amount
Nationally, Title IV-A is funded at approximately $1.3 billion per year. District allocations in California range widely - small districts may receive $10,000-$50,000, while large urban districts can receive $500,000 or more. Even smaller allocations are enough to purchase classroom sets of STEM kits.
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
Districts can't spend more than 15% of Title IV-A funds on hardware alone. You must include content, curriculum, or professional development alongside any technology purchases. Buying kits that include curriculum (like Forward Education's) satisfies this requirement.
Districts receiving $30,000 or more must complete a needs assessment before finalizing their spending plan. Document how your community's needs connect to coding and CS education.
If you have unmet needs in both STEM and school safety, you can split your allocation across pillars. Most districts with strong STEM plans concentrate their funds in the technology pillar.
STEM-arts integration projects can draw from the well-rounded education pillar. Coding and physical computing projects tied to creative or media arts learning are a good fit here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) in California?
All California local educational agencies (LEAs) are eligible for Title IV-A funds. Allocations are formula-based, but districts must spend a minimum threshold before accessing certain provisions. Districts with allocations of $30,000 or more must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment before spending. Eligible: All California public school districts and charter schools Districts receiving $30K+ must conduct a needs assessment Funds divided across three pillars: well-rounded education, technol
How much funding is available through Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)?
Funding varies by cycle and applicant. Check the current program guidelines for up-to-date award amounts.
Can Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) 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 Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)?
Title IV-A is included in the consolidated ESSA grant application that California LEAs submit to CDE each year. No separate competitive process is needed. Districts receive their allocation based on enrollment and include a spending plan as part of their consolidated application.
How can Forward Education help with Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) 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 Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) 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
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