Wisconsin · National Nonprofit

Rural Tech Fund Grants

Eligibility

Rural K-12 schools in the U.S. that want to start or expand computer science education programs. Schools must be located in rural communities (NCES rural locale codes apply). Wisconsin has many qualifying rural districts.

Program Goals

The Rural Tech Fund addresses the CS education gap in rural America by funding programs that bring coding, computer science, and technology skills to students in small, rural schools. Many rural Wisconsin students have limited access to CS coursework — this fund helps close that gap.

Learn more at https://www.ruraltechfund.org

Application

Apply online at ruraltechfund.org. Applications include school location, student demographics, current CS offerings (or lack thereof), and a plan for how grant funds will expand CS access. Check the website for current cycle deadlines.

Cycle Notes

Annual grant cycle. Check ruraltechfund.org for current application windows and deadlines.

Award Amount

Up to $5,000 for CS curriculum, professional development, and technology tools in rural schools.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:

• Coding for Good Kit — Directly addresses the Rural Tech Fund's mission — bringing CS fundamentals and hands-on coding to students in rural Wisconsin schools with limited CS access.
• Forward Education Learning Platform — Provides complete structured CS curriculum that rural teachers with limited CS background can confidently deliver.
• Smart Solar Energy Kit — Rural schools often have strong connections to energy and agriculture — this kit bridges rural context with modern engineering and CS skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my school qualifies as 'rural'?
Check your school's NCES locale code. Codes 41-43 (Rural: Fringe, Distant, Remote) and some codes 31-33 (Town) typically qualify. Rural Tech Fund provides guidance on their website.

Can my school apply if we already have some CS instruction?
Yes. The fund supports both new programs and expansion of existing CS offerings in rural schools.

Does the teacher need CS credentials to apply?
No. The Rural Tech Fund recognizes that many rural schools lack CS-credentialed teachers — professional development funding is part of what grants can cover.

Are there Wisconsin schools that have received this grant?
Yes. Rural Wisconsin schools have been grantees. Check ruraltechfund.org for a list of past recipients.

Can a small rural district (not just one school) apply?
Applications are typically submitted by schools or individual teachers, but district administrators can support and cosign applications.