California · Federal Grant

NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)

Funding

$500K–$1.5M per award

Grade Focus

K–12

Application Due

Check NSF.gov for current solicitation

Level of Gov't

Federal

Eligibility

K–12 public schools and school districts
Nonprofit organizations focused on education
State educational agencies (SEAs) and local education agencies (LEAs)
Higher education institutions partnering with K–12 programs

Program Goals

NSF program specifically supporting technology-rich STEM education. Funds projects that build K-12 student and teacher capacity in computing, engineering, and emerging technologies including AI.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Check NSF.gov for current solicitation

Grant Award Amount

$500K–$1.5M per award

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum connecting computer science to real-world community problems. Qualifies for CS education and digital literacy funding; builds computational thinking through authentic challenges.
micro:bit Starter Kit — Programmable microcontroller kits that introduce hands-on coding and electronics projects. Qualifies as CS/coding hardware for K-12 classrooms and supports physical computing education goals.
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.
CHARGE Climate Sensor — Hands-on micro:bit-based climate and environmental sensor kit for real-world data collection. Supports place-based STEM learning and qualifies for environmental science and physical computing programs.

Keep in Mind

Watch for the application window

Deadlines for this grant vary by cycle. Subscribe to notifications from the funder and prepare your project proposal now so you can move quickly when the window opens.

AI literacy is a growing priority

Artificial intelligence education is drawing strong funder interest right now. Highlight how your program builds student understanding of how AI works, not just how to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) in California?

K–12 public schools and school districts Nonprofit organizations focused on education State educational agencies (SEAs) and local education agencies (LEAs) Higher education institutions partnering with K–12 programs

How much funding is available through NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)?

$500K–$1.5M per award. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.

Can NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) 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.

How do schools apply for NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)?

Check NSF.gov for current solicitation

How can Forward Education help with NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) 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 NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) funds. Contact us before submitting your application.

Grant Support

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

Talk to Our Team

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