Wisconsin · Federal Formula

Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)

Eligibility

All Wisconsin public school districts receive Title IV-A formula allocations under ESSA. Funds support three priority areas: well-rounded educational opportunities, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology.

Program Goals

Title IV-A provides flexible formula funds for districts to invest in STEM, arts, computer science, technology integration, health, and school safety. For CS and STEM specifically, Title IV-A explicitly allows districts to fund computer science curriculum, digital learning tools, and technology infrastructure — making it one of the most accessible federal funding sources for K-12 CS education.

Learn more at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/ssae/index.html

Application

No competitive application required. WI DPI distributes Title IV-A allocations through the consolidated grant application. Districts must use at least 20% for well-rounded educational opportunities (including CS and STEM), at least 20% for safe/healthy students, and the remainder flexibly. Contact your district Title IV-A coordinator.

Cycle Notes

Annual federal allocation cycle. Wisconsin DPI finalizes district allocations in spring. Funds must be obligated by September 30 of the following federal fiscal year.

Award Amount

Formula-based. Districts with larger student populations receive larger allocations. All public school districts in Wisconsin receive some Title IV-A funding.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:

• Coding for Good Kit — Explicitly allowable under Title IV-A's well-rounded education and CS/technology provisions — one of the clearest federal funding matches for hands-on CS kits.
• Climate Action Kit — STEM and well-rounded education investments fully allowable under Title IV-A. Environmental science projects that expand student opportunity qualify directly.
• Forward Education Learning Platform — Technology integration and digital curriculum — a clear Title IV-A allowable use under the effective use of technology prong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Title IV-A the best federal source for CS curriculum purchases?
Yes — Title IV-A explicitly includes computer science in its well-rounded education provisions, making it one of the clearest federal sources for K-12 CS curriculum and tools.

Can Title IV-A funds be used for technology devices?
Yes. Technology infrastructure, devices, and digital learning tools are allowable under the effective use of technology prong.

How much does a typical Wisconsin district receive in Title IV-A?
Allocations vary widely. Small rural districts may receive a few thousand dollars. Larger districts receive significantly more. Check with your district grants coordinator.

Are there spending requirements between the three priority areas?
Yes. At least 20% must go to well-rounded educational opportunities and at least 20% to safe/healthy students. Remaining funds are flexible across priorities.

Can Title IV-A and Title I both be used for the same purchase?
Generally not — federal funds cannot pay twice for the same item (no double-dipping). But different Title funds can support related but distinct program components.