SCDE Innovation Grant
Eligibility
South Carolina public school districts and schools. The SCDE Innovation Grant funds innovative instructional programs, technology integration, and new educational approaches across all K-12 grade levels.
Program Goals
SCDE's Innovation Grant is the largest competitive education grant fund in South Carolina, with a $9M annual pool. Districts use grants for new instructional models, technology integration, STEM programs, and innovative approaches to student engagement and learning.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications submitted through SCDE ePlan. FY2026-27 deadline was June 30, 2026. Monitor ed.sc.gov for the next competition announcement.
Cycle Notes
Annual competitive cycle. FY2026-27 deadline June 30, 2026. Next cycle expected spring/summer 2027. Monitor SCDE.
Grant Award Amount
Share of a $9M annual statewide pool. One of the largest K-12 competitive grant pools in the Southeast.
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
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the SCDE Innovation Grant?
South Carolina public school districts and schools applying with innovative instructional programs.
How much is in the Innovation Grant pool?
$9M annually — one of the largest state education grant pools in the Southeast.
Can SCDE Innovation Grant funds be used for CS and STEM tools?
Yes. Technology integration and STEM innovation programs are a priority use.
How do SC schools apply?
Monitor SCDE at ed.sc.gov for the next annual competition RFA. Submit through ePlan.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents and letters of support for SCDE Innovation Grant applications.
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 — South Carolina 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.
Get the Grant Guide
