Title I, Part A is the largest federal K-12 program. It sends formula funds to districts for schools with high numbers of students from low-income families. Schools with at least 40% low-income students can usually run a schoolwide program and use Title I to upgrade instruction for every student, which can include hands-on computer science.
How Title I can support computer science
- Schoolwide programs can use Title I to improve the whole school's instruction, as long as the spending is in the school's schoolwide plan and meets needs found in its needs assessment.
- Targeted assistance programs can only serve students identified as most at risk of not meeting standards, for example a small-group or extended-day program.
- Title I can also pay for professional development and family engagement tied to the plan.
Rules to know
- Spending must be reasonable and necessary for the plan, and supplement, not supplant, state and local funds.
- Private school students and teachers get equitable services through the district.
- Your principal and the district's Title I office decide what goes in the plan.
Funding outlook
Congress funded Title I grants to districts at about $18.4 billion for fiscal 2026, which pays for the 2026-27 school year. Since October 1, 2026, federal programs have run on a continuing resolution at fiscal 2026 levels through December 11, 2026. The administration's fiscal 2027 budget request keeps Title I at about the same level.
A Title I plan that fits
The Coding for Good Kit gives every student in grades 3-12 a way into coding and engineering, with 11 plug-and-play sensors and modules, 4 servos and a water pump. Lessons tie code to real problems students care about.
- A class set: 15 Coding for Good Kits with micro:bit V2 Go Packs come to $4,454.85 before shipping, enough for 30 students working in pairs. Kits go back in their cases after class, so one set serves every section.
- Data-driven Smart Farming (grades 6-8): students build a system that waters a plant based on soil moisture and tracks how long the pump runs.
- Wildfire Detection with Autonomous Vehicles (grades 6-8): students build a vehicle that patrols an area and raises an alert when it detects bright light and loud sound.
- Teacher training: free self-paced courses come with the kits, and live virtual PD starts at $1,000 for a 90-minute session.
Frequently asked questions
Can Title I pay for coding and robotics kits?
In a schoolwide program, yes, when the purchase is part of the schoolwide plan and addresses a need in the school's needs assessment. Targeted programs can buy materials only for the students they serve.
Who decides?
The school's planning team and principal, with approval from the district's Title I office.
When should we ask?
While the school updates its plan, usually in spring, before funds for the next school year start July 1.
How can Forward Education help?
We can map our lessons to your state standards, write an official quote, show how a purchase fits the program's allowable uses, and provide a letter of support. Contact our grant team.
Sources: Every Student Succeeds Act, Title I, Part A; fiscal 2026 appropriations and fiscal 2027 continuing resolution (P.L. 119-103); U.S. Department of Education fiscal 2027 budget request. Checked November 1, 2026.
