Educational Funding and Curriculum Resources
AI Literacy and Computer Science Education Funding in California
Curriculum requirements, funding sources, and how Forward Education helps schools meet state standards affordably.
Explore FundingExecutive Summary
California is positioning itself as a national leader in AI literacy education through landmark legislation (AB 2876 and SB 1288), cross-curricular integration mandates, and a growing ecosystem of state and federal funding. The state has embedded AI literacy across math, science, history, and ELA curriculum frameworks rather than confining it to CS courses. While California lacks a dedicated state-level AI education grant program for K-12, over $800 million in federal and philanthropic funding is available through 2026 grant cycles and California districts are well positioned to access it.
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| AI in Curriculum Standards | AB 2876 (signed Oct 2024) mandates AI literacy integration across math, science, history-social science, and ELA frameworks. Cross-curricular approach — not confined to CS courses. |
| AI-Specific Legislation | AB 2876 (AI Literacy in K-12, Oct 2024); SB 1288 (AI in Education Workgroup, 2024); AB 2097 (CS Graduation Requirement by 2030-31). Model policy expected July 2026. |
| CS Graduation Requirement | AB 2097 requires all public high schools to offer at least one CS course by fall 2027. CS credit required for graduation by 2030-31. California will be the 6th state to require CS for graduation. |
| AI Teacher Endorsement | No dedicated state funding for AI/CS professional development yet. LCFF discretionary funds and federal Title II-A can be used for AI PD immediately. |
| AI Task Force | SB 1288 AI in Education Workgroup — active, model policy and guidance due July 2026. Includes students, teachers, administrators, industry experts, and higher ed representatives. |
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Principales oportunidades de financiación
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Funding Type
Topic
Deadline
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federal
21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B)
competitive grant
EPA Environmental Education Grants
federal
NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET)
federal
NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
federal
NSF CS for All: Research and RPPs
state
California Department of Education: STEM Grants (Various)
state
California Volunteers: Climate Action Event Microgrant
state
CalEPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
state
California Coastal Commission: Whale Tail Grants
federal
Sandia National Laboratories CA: Climate Change Education Grant
funder private national
Toshiba America Foundation (TAF)
funder private national
American Honda Foundation
funder private national
3M Foundation
funder private national
Motorola Solutions Foundation: Innovation Generation
funder private national
Glenn W. Bailey Foundation
funder private national
Charles Lafitte Foundation
funder private national
Rural Tech Fund
funder private state
Hewlett Foundation: Education Program
funder private state
PG&E Foundation: STEM Education & Environmental Grants
funder private state
Edison International / Southern California Edison: STEM & Education Giving
funder private state
SDG&E / Sempra Energy Foundation: STEM Education Grants
funder private state
SoCalGas: Energy Education & STEM Community Grants
funder private state
Chevron STEM Education Grants
funder private state
Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab & Foundation: STEM Grants
funder private national
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
funder private national
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
funder private national
Target Circle Field Trip Grants for K-12 Schools
funder private national
DonorsChoose: Classroom Technology & STEM Projects
funder private national
Best Buy Foundation: Teen Tech Centers & STEM Grants
funder private state
S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation Legacy Grants (via California Community Foundation)
federal
Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)
federal
Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs
federal
Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
federal
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
federal
Perkins V: Career and Technical Education
formula grant
California Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding
competitive grant
Toshiba America Foundation Grants
competitive grant
Honda USA Foundation Pillar Awards
competitive grant
Motorola Solutions Foundation Grants
competitive grant
Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants
competitive grant
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grants
NSF STEM K-12 (NSF 25-545)
competitive grant
NOAA B-WET (Bay Watershed Education & Training)
competitive grant
FIRST Team Grant Opportunities
formula funding
Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs
formula funding
Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction
formula funding
Title IV-A - Student Support & Academic Enrichment
formula funding
IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
formula funding
Perkins V - Career & Technical Education
formula grant
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)
competitive grant
After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program
competitive grant
21st Century Community Learning Centers California – Cohort 16
competitive grant
Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG)
competitive grant
K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12 SWP)
competitive grant
Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP)
competitive grant
Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant
competitive grant
Explore the Coast Grants
competitive grant
California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program
competitive grant
SMUD Shine Awards
competitive grant
SDG&E Inspiring Future Leaders STEM Education Grants
competitive grant
Cal Water Tap Into Learning Grants
competitive grant
Literacy for Life Grants
competitive grant
WHALE TAIL Grants
Free Resource
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