Computer Science Equity Grant Program
Eligibility
Illinois public school districts, charter schools, and other public educational agencies may apply. Programs must expand access to quality computer science education for underrepresented students, including those in rural and high-poverty communities. Applications must align to the Illinois K-12 Computer Science Standards.
Program Goals
The Illinois Computer Science Equity Grant Program, administered by ISBE, provides competitive funding to Illinois school districts to expand access to high-quality K-12 computer science education. Priority is given to programs serving students who are underrepresented in CS — including students in rural areas, students with disabilities, English learners, and students from low-income backgrounds. Grants fund teacher professional development, curriculum, equipment, and program infrastructure.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the ISBE grants portal during competitive application windows. The FY2024 cohort was awarded in August 2024 for up to 3-year grants through FY2026. The next cohort depends on General Assembly appropriation. Monitor the ISBE CS equity grants page for new competition announcements.
Cycle Notes
The CS Equity Grant runs in competitive cohorts subject to state appropriation. The most recent cohort was awarded in August 2024 for a 3-year period. Future rounds depend on new appropriations. Monitor isbe.net for announcements of the next competition.
Grant Award Amount
Awards can reach up to $250,000 per LEA for a 3-year grant period. Funds support CS teacher training, curriculum acquisition, equipment, and program infrastructure. Larger districts with multi-site programs may receive higher awards.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for Illinois CS equity programs and ISBE-funded CS classrooms
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy aligned to Illinois K-12 CS standards for equity grant programs
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based CS curriculum for Illinois Computer Science Equity Grant schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the CS Equity Grant in Illinois?
Illinois public school districts, charter schools, and public educational agencies may apply. Programs must expand CS access for underrepresented students and align to Illinois K-12 CS standards.
How much funding is available through the CS Equity Grant?
Awards can reach up to $250,000 per LEA for a 3-year grant period.
Can CS Equity Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. CS Equity Grant 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 Illinois schools apply for the CS Equity Grant?
Monitor the ISBE website at isbe.net for new competition announcements. The most recent cohort was awarded August 2024. Future rounds depend on state appropriation.
How can Forward Education help with CS Equity Grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Illinois schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes the CS Equity Grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — Illinois 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
Explore more Illinois funding resources
View all Illinois AI & CS grants →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
