What This Grant Funds

The Advancing Computer Science Education (ACSE) Grant is Virginia's flagship state-funded program for K-12 computer science. Administered by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), it supports school divisions in implementing the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOLs). Funded activities include instructional resources, teacher professional development, summer and after-school CS programs, and career exposure for high school students. Three distinct project types each carry awards up to $75,000, while regional partnerships and consortiums can qualify for up to $125,000 in a single award.

Who Can Apply

Virginia public school divisions, full-time regional public schools, and regional partnerships or consortiums are eligible to apply. A school division CS coordinator or curriculum director typically leads the application. Regional consortiums -- two or more divisions collaborating on a shared CS initiative -- can access the higher $125,000 award tier. Independent schools and private organizations are not eligible on their own, but they may participate as partners within a division-led proposal.

How to Apply

Proposals must be submitted as a PDF by email to vdoe.computerscience@doe.virginia.gov by August 25, 2026. VDOE publishes a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) on the grant page each cycle. Budget justification, alignment to the 2024 CS SOLs, and a clear implementation plan are required components. Starting your application 4 to 6 weeks before the deadline gives your team enough time to gather letters of support and finalize the budget.

Funding Amount

Awards are competitive and project-based. Each of the three project types can receive up to $75,000. Regional consortiums -- groups of two or more school divisions working together -- can receive up to $125,000. There is no stated minimum award. Funding is not formula-based; every application competes on merit, so strong alignment to the 2024 CS SOLs and a clear plan for teacher training and student outcomes is important.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ACSE Grant in Virginia?

Virginia public school divisions, full-time regional public schools, and regional partnerships or consortiums made up of multiple school divisions are eligible. Private schools and nonprofits are not eligible to apply as lead organizations.

How much funding is available through the ACSE Grant?

Each of three project types can receive up to $75,000. Regional consortiums of two or more school divisions can receive up to $125,000. Awards are competitive, so the amount your division receives depends on proposal strength and available funding in each cycle.

Can ACSE Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. The grant explicitly supports instructional resources for teaching the 2024 CS SOLs, which includes coding tools, robotics kits, and AI literacy materials. Purchases must be tied to a clear instructional plan aligned to the SOLs.

How do Virginia schools apply for the ACSE Grant?

Submit a PDF proposal by email to vdoe.computerscience@doe.virginia.gov by August 25, 2026. Download the RFP from the VDOE computer science page, build your budget, align your activities to the 2024 CS SOLs, and include an implementation timeline. Plan to start 4 to 6 weeks before the deadline.

How can Forward Education help with ACSE Grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes the ACSE Grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.