Rural Tech Fund
Rolling grants for rural K-12 schools to access technology and coding tools for classroom use.
About This Grant
Rural Tech Fund provides small grants to rural K-12 schools for technology and coding tools. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are awarded on a rolling basis, with a new review cycle every 30-60 days.
This is one of the few grant programs specifically designed for rural schools. Michigan has many rural districts, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, with limited access to CS resources.
Rural Tech Fund is an excellent starting point for rural Michigan schools that want to launch a coding or physical computing program without navigating a complex application process.
View Rural Tech FundEligibility
- Rural K-12 public schools (NCES rural classification)
- Schools with limited existing technology or CS programs
- Priority for schools in high-poverty rural communities
- Applications are simple and accessible for first-time grant applicants
Allowable Uses
- Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
- CS and AI literacy curriculum
- Teacher professional development
- Internet connectivity improvements and device repair/maintenance
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing for CS education. Aligns to Michigan CS standards for computational thinking and programming at grades K-8.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for middle and high school. Addresses AI and data literacy components of Michigan CS standards.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum with real-world connections. Strong alignment to Michigan standards.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for grades 5-12. Supports CS standards across computational thinking and programming.
Keep in Mind
Rural Tech Fund reviews applications on a rolling basis. Submit as soon as your proposal is ready.
Use the NCES school locator to confirm your school's rural classification before applying.
A focused request for one classroom set of coding kits with a clear lesson plan will outperform a vague large-scale ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a rural school?
Rural Tech Fund uses the NCES rural classification. Check your school's status at nces.ed.gov.
How long does review take?
Reviews happen every 30-60 days.
Can we apply more than once?
Yes. Schools that have received funding can apply again in future cycles.
Is there a formal report required?
Yes. Rural Tech Fund requires a brief outcome report.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Michigan CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support. Contact us before you apply.
Related Michigan Grants
Explore more Michigan funding resources
View all Michigan AI & CS grants →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 — Michigan CS 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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