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.

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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.

CategoryStatus
AI in Curriculum StandardsAB 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 LegislationAB 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 RequirementAB 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 EndorsementNo 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 ForceSB 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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Standards Alignment

See how Forward Education kits map to your state CS, AI literacy, and STEM standards — including CSTA, ISTE, NGSS, and state-specific CS frameworks.

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Les meilleures opportunités de financement

Les subventions et programmes ci-dessous sont pertinents pour cet État. Cliquez sur n'importe quelle carte pour lire tous les détails, les critères d'éligibilité et comment les produits Forward Education sont éligibles.

Funding Type
Topic
Deadline
Search
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

Need Help Writing Your Grant?

Securing funding for AI and CS education does not have to be overwhelming. Our team has helped hundreds of schools across the country successfully apply for technology grants.

  • Free Grant Application Guide — Step-by-step walkthrough for the most common federal and state funding programs
  • Grant Writing Assistance — Our team can review your application draft and provide feedback
  • Budget Templates — Pre-built budget justifications showing how Forward Education products fit within grant requirements
  • Compliance Documentation — Evidence of standards alignment and student outcomes to strengthen your proposal
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Professional Development for AI and CS Education

Implementing AI literacy and computer science does not have to mean starting from scratch. Forward Education provides comprehensive professional development to help educators build confidence and competence.

🎓

MicroChat Foundations Workshop

VirtualSelf-Paced3 hours

Hands-on introduction to MicroChat and the micro:bit ecosystem. Teachers learn to run the core AI literacy lessons, facilitate student coding activities, and connect content to their state standards.

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🏫

On-Site AI Literacy Integration Training

In-PersonCustomizable1-2 days

Full-day on-site training for district or school teams. Includes hands-on kit setup, lesson planning, standards crosswalk, and assessment strategy. Ideal for district-wide rollouts.

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📅

Ongoing Coaching and Community

VirtualOngoingYear-round

Monthly live PD sessions, a teacher community for lesson sharing, and direct support from our curriculum team. Keeps your program fresh and teachers supported all year long.

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State-specific PD: California lacks dedicated state PD funding for AI and CS education, but districts can fund teacher training through LCFF discretionary funds and federal Title II-A allocations. Our workshops qualify as allowable professional development under both funding streams. Contact us for a letter of support for your LCAP narrative.

Ready to Bring AI Literacy to California Classrooms?

Whether you are exploring curriculum options, looking for funding, or ready to get started — our team is here to help.