Arkansas · Private State Grant

Excellence in STEM Education Grant

Funding

STEM equipment plus training package

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

September 18, 2026

Level of Gov't

Private — Arkansas CS Initiative / Excellence in STEM

Eligibility

Arkansas K-12 public schools. Teachers with an active CS or STEM program, or those launching a new program, are eligible. Strong preference for schools demonstrating commitment to CS education.

Program Goals

The Excellence in STEM Education Grant equips AR schools with both hardware (STEM kits and tools) and professional development. The program reinforces Arkansas's statewide CS mandate by ensuring teachers have the tools and training they need.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications submitted through the AR CS Initiative website. September 18, 2026 deadline. Complete the online application with your school's CS program details and how you will use the equipment.

Cycle Notes

Annual competitive cycle. September 18, 2026 deadline. Awards typically announced in fall. Monitor arkansascsinitiative.com for future cycles.

Grant Award Amount

Equipment package plus teacher training. The grant provides physical STEM tools and PD support rather than cash. Value varies by award tier.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers this grant?

The Arkansas CS Initiative in partnership with the AR Department of Education.

What does the grant provide?

STEM equipment plus a teacher training package — both hardware and professional development.

When is the deadline?

September 18, 2026.

Does my school need an existing CS program?

No — schools launching new programs are eligible. Strong preference for schools with a plan for ongoing CS integration.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Coding for Good Kit and CodeCTRL controller are aligned to the CS learning outcomes this grant prioritizes. We can provide curriculum alignment and a program outline.

Grant Support