Next Level Computer Science Grant Program (IC 20-20-45)
Eligibility
Grants are awarded to eligible entities such as universities, nonprofits, and PD organizations that implement CS professional development for Indiana teachers. K-12 Indiana schools are not the direct applicants — but schools benefit indirectly as their teachers participate in Next Level CS-funded PD programs. Contact your regional education service center or university CS education program to find Next Level CS PD opportunities near you.
Program Goals
Indiana Code (IC) 20-20-45 established the Next Level Computer Science Grant Program and Computer Science Fund to award grants to eligible entities — universities, TechPoint, Nextech, and similar organizations — to provide CS professional development for Indiana K-12 teachers. The program is a key pillar of Indiana's strategy to expand CS teaching capacity ahead of the 2029 graduation requirement. As of August 2026, no school-facing open RFP has been posted; funds flow to PD providers who then offer teacher training programs statewide.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Indiana K-12 schools cannot apply directly for Next Level CS Grants. Grants are awarded to PD providers (universities, TechPoint, Nextech, etc.) who then offer free or subsidized CS PD to Indiana teachers. Contact your local university CS education program, TechPoint Foundation for Youth, or Nextech to find current Next Level CS PD opportunities in your region. IDOE's digital learning team can also direct you to available programs.
Cycle Notes
The Next Level CS Grant Program is active per IDOE's January 2026 biannual report. As of August 2026, no school-facing open RFP has been posted. Monitor the IDOE Next Level CS Grant page for updates. Schools seeking CS PD should contact their regional PD providers and explore the federal Title II-A allocation as a direct funding source for teacher professional development.
Grant Award Amount
The Next Level CS Grant Program does not provide direct awards to schools or classrooms. Grants go to eligible PD provider entities. As a result, Indiana teachers may receive free or subsidized CS PD training paid for through this program.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — forward-compatible with NLPS 4565 competencies taught through Next Level CS PD programs
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing tools aligned to Indiana's K-12 CS standards for trained Indiana CS teachers
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based curriculum that CS-trained Indiana teachers can use immediately in their classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indiana schools apply directly for Next Level CS Grants?
No. Next Level CS Grants (IC 20-20-45) are awarded to PD provider entities such as universities, TechPoint, and Nextech — not to K-12 schools directly. Schools benefit through their teachers' participation in funded PD programs.
How can Indiana teachers access Next Level CS-funded professional development?
Contact TechPoint Foundation for Youth, Nextech, or your regional university CS education program for current Next Level CS PD offerings. IDOE's digital learning team can also direct you to available programs.
What does the Next Level CS Grant Program fund?
The program funds CS professional development for Indiana K-12 teachers, delivered through universities, nonprofits, and other eligible entities. It does not fund classroom equipment.
Is Indiana's Next Level CS Grant Program related to the 2029 graduation requirement?
Yes. The program is a key pillar of Indiana's strategy to expand the CS teaching capacity needed to implement the 2029 CS graduation requirement under IC 20-32-4-18.
How can Forward Education help Indiana schools prepare for the 2029 CS graduation requirement?
Forward Education provides NLPS 4565-aligned curriculum, classroom kits, and teacher training resources. Contact us to learn how our tools connect to Indiana CS standards and how to fund them through Perkins V, Title IV-A, or Digital Learning Grants.
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 — Indiana 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 Indiana funding resources
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