TEA: AP Computer Science Principles Grant
Eligibility
Texas public high schools that do not currently offer AP Computer Science Principles, or schools looking to significantly expand enrollment in existing AP CSP courses, are the primary targets. Applications are submitted through the TEA portal during open cycles. Schools in rural or high-need areas often receive priority.
- Eligible: Texas public high schools without AP CSP, or those expanding access
- Priority: Rural schools and high-need communities
- Applications through TEA's grant management portal
- Funds must be used to launch or expand the AP CSP course offering
Program Goals
TEA has offered competitive grants to help high schools launch or expand AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) courses. The goal is to increase access to rigorous CS education, especially in schools that currently have no AP computer science options. Grants cover startup costs so schools can get programs running without waiting for budget cycles.
Application Timeline
AP CSP grant cycles open periodically. Check tea.texas.gov for current solicitations. Talk to your high school's AP coordinator or CS department about program expansion plans before applying. Grant cycles may align with College Board AP program timelines.
Funding and Eligible Uses
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 per school. Eligible uses include teacher professional development, course materials, curriculum platforms, and hardware needed to deliver AP CSP. The College Board's AP CSP framework is flexible enough to include physical computing components.
Allowable Purchases
AP CSP grant funds can cover teacher PD, curriculum materials, and hardware needed to deliver the course. Physical computing components are compatible with the AP CSP framework's hardware exploration strand.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Physical computing tools that complement AP CSP course design. Students get hardware experience alongside software coding fundamentals. Grant funds can cover classroom kits as course materials. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum that extends AP CSP's data and algorithms content into hands-on AI exploration. Enriches the course with concrete, tangible AI experiences. -
Coding for Good Kit
Project-based coding with social impact connections. AP CSP's 'create performance task' benefits from project-based learning tools that give students authentic coding challenges.
Keep in Mind
Grants prioritize schools without existing AP CSP programs. If your school already offers AP CSP, you may only qualify for an expansion grant with proof of limited enrollment or access.
The College Board provides free professional development for AP CSP teachers. Combining TEA grant funds with College Board PD gives you a comprehensive launch package for your new course.
AP CSP requires a College Board-endorsed curriculum provider. Make sure the materials you plan to purchase are compatible with a recognized AP CSP curriculum framework.
If your school is rural or serves a high-need community, emphasize that context prominently. TEA uses AP CSP grants to close the CS access gap between urban and rural schools.
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 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
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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