STARS Act 'Future Ready' Incentive Payments
Eligibility
All Montana public school districts. Incentive payments are earned when students complete designated career-focused coursework sequences and earn credentials or meet readiness benchmarks. Technology, CTE, and career pathways qualify.
Program Goals
The STARS Act Future Ready Incentive rewards Montana districts whose students complete career-focused coursework sequences. Schools that offer strong CTE and technology pathways — including CS, robotics, and engineering — directly increase their incentive payments by helping more students complete qualifying programs.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Formula-based — no competitive application. Montana districts earn payments automatically when students complete qualifying coursework. Work with your CTE coordinator to ensure your technology pathways are registered as qualifying programs.
Cycle Notes
Annual formula cycle. December 31, 2026 reporting deadline for current cycle. Payments distributed by MT OPI based on qualifying graduate counts.
Grant Award Amount
Approximately $800 to $2,400 per qualifying graduate, depending on program type and credential level. Districts with larger CTE enrollments and higher completion rates earn proportionally larger total payments.
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
- 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
How do Montana districts earn STARS Act incentive payments?
When students complete designated career-focused coursework sequences and meet readiness benchmarks. More qualifying graduates = larger district payments.
What coursework qualifies?
CTE pathways including technology, CS, engineering, and other career-focused sequences registered with MT OPI. Contact your CTE coordinator to confirm your programs qualify.
Can incentive payments fund equipment purchases?
Yes — STARS Act incentive payments are unrestricted formula funds that districts can use for CTE program costs including equipment, curriculum, and technology tools.
What is the reporting deadline?
December 31, 2026 for the current cycle. Ensure your qualifying graduate data is reported to MT OPI by this date.
How can Forward Education help?
We help document how our kits fit within qualifying CTE pathways so your technology program generates more incentive payments per graduate.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Montana standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
