New Mexico · State Grant

Innovation Zones Grant (FY27 Cohort)

Funding

Multi-year competitive award

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

September 4, 2026

Level of Gov't

State — New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED)

Eligibility

New Mexico public schools and districts proposing innovative educational models. Schools with plans to implement CS, AI integration, STEM-forward curriculum, or other innovative approaches to teaching and learning are strong applicants. Multi-school or district-wide proposals can increase award size.

Program Goals

The Innovation Zones Grant funds schools implementing new educational models that break from traditional approaches. CS integration, AI literacy, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary STEM programs are well aligned. Schools in the FY27 Cohort receive multi-year support to develop and sustain their innovative model.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications submitted through NMPED. September 4, 2026 deadline for the FY27 Cohort. Prepare a clear description of your innovative educational model, implementation plan, and how STEM/CS tools will support the program.

Cycle Notes

Competitive cohort cycle. FY27 Cohort deadline is September 4, 2026. NMPED announces future cohort cycles — monitor webnew.ped.state.nm.us for future opportunities.

Grant Award Amount

Multi-year competitive award. Award amounts vary by proposal scope. Multi-year grants provide sustained support for building and scaling innovative school models.

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
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a strong Innovation Zones application?

A clear, well-defined innovative educational model with a specific implementation plan. CS, AI literacy, and STEM integration programs are strong fits for FY27.

Can individual schools apply, or only districts?

Individual schools can apply. District-wide proposals may be eligible for larger awards. Check current NMPED guidelines.

When is the FY27 deadline?

September 4, 2026.

Is this grant multi-year?

Yes — Innovation Zones grants provide multi-year funding to allow schools to develop and sustain their innovative model.

How can Forward Education help?

We help frame CS and STEM kit programs within an Innovation Zones application, showing curriculum alignment to NM standards and a clear implementation model.

Grant Support