AI Literacy and Computer Science Education Funding in North Carolina
Curriculum requirements, funding sources, and how Forward Education helps schools meet state standards affordably.
Explore FundingNorth Carolina is a national leader in K-12 computer science and AI education policy. HB-8 (signed Sept 2023) requires one CS course for graduation starting with the Class of 2029 — making North Carolina the 8th state to mandate CS for graduation. Middle schools must offer introductory CS by 2025-26. The EVERY Framework (Jan 2024) provides practical AI literacy guidance across K-12, and SB-640 (proposed 2025-26 session) would mandate AI instruction across all grade levels. Governor Stein's Executive Order No. 24 established a 25-member AI Leadership Council. With HB-8 creating guaranteed curriculum demand across all 115 districts and North Carolina ranking 50th nationally in cost-adjusted per-pupil funding, the market need for affordable, scalable AI and CS solutions has never been stronger.
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| AI in Curriculum Standards | K-12 CS Standards (2020) include AI, robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics, and computational thinking across grade levels. EVERY Framework AI guidance released January 2024 by NCDPI and AI for Education. |
| AI-Specific Legislation | HB-8 (Sept 2023): CS graduation requirement, Class of 2029; SB-640 (proposed 2025-26): AI instruction mandated K-12; Executive Order No. 24: AI Leadership Council (Sept 2025). NC is the first state partner in the national AI Innovation Index. |
| CS Graduation Requirement | HB-8 requires all students entering 9th grade in 2024-25 and beyond to complete at least one CS course to graduate (Class of 2029). Middle schools must offer introductory CS by 2025-26. North Carolina is the 8th state to require CS for graduation. |
| AI Teacher Endorsement | NC CS Professional Learning Program provides $400 per teacher stipend ($200 summer + $200 quarterly workshops) at no cost to teachers. Coding and Mobile App Development Grant funds teacher PD stipends. Federal Title II-A funds available for AI/CS professional development. |
| AI Task Force | Executive Order No. 24 (Sept 2025): 25-member AI Leadership Council co-chaired by NCDIT Secretary and Commerce Secretary. NC AI Accelerator established within NCDIT as centralized AI governance hub. AI Innovation Index: First state partner, tracking K-12 AI literacy biannually. |
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Top Funding Opportunities
The grants and programs below are relevant to this state. Click any card to read full details, eligibility, and how Forward Education products qualify.
Ribbon of Hope Grants
The NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation's Ribbon of Hope Grants fund science, technology, and health education programs at North Carolina schoo...
Read full detailsEENC Mini-Grants
Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) Mini-Grants fund small-scale environmental education projects at North Carolina schools ...
Read full detailsWindow of Opportunity (WOO) Grants
Keep North Carolina Beautiful's Window of Opportunity Grants fund school and community environmental projects across NC. The fall 2026 ap...
Read full detailsNC GreenPower Solar+ Schools
NC GreenPower's Solar+ Schools program selects North Carolina schools to receive free solar panel installations and supports integration ...
Read full detailsDuke Energy Foundation North Carolina Grants (Powerful Communities)
Duke Energy Foundation's Powerful Communities grants fund education, workforce, and environmental programs in North Carolina communities ...
Read full detailsGolden LEAF Open Grants Program
The Golden LEAF Foundation provides competitive grants to support economic development, workforce, and education programs in rural and to...
Read full details21st Century Community Learning Centers (North Carolina)
NC DPI's 21st CCLC program funds afterschool and summer enrichment programs at high-need North Carolina schools through federal Title IV-...
Read full detailsEducation and Workforce Innovation Commission Grants
North Carolina's Education and Workforce Innovation Commission funds innovation and CTE expansion grants at NC schools through NC DPI. Gr...
Read full detailsCoding and Mobile App Development Grant Program
NC DPI's Coding and Mobile App Development Grant funds North Carolina schools to introduce or expand coding and mobile app development pr...
Read full detailsDigital Learning Initiative Instructional Innovation Grant
NC DPI's Digital Learning Initiative Instructional Innovation Grant funds North Carolina teachers who use technology creatively to advanc...
Read full detailsCareer Awards for STEM Teachers
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Career Awards for STEM Teachers recognize and fund outstanding early-career science and math teachers in No...
Read full detailsPRISM Award – Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's PRISM Award recognizes and funds North Carolina and Virginia public school teachers for outstanding science...
Read full detailsStudent STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP)
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Student STEM Enrichment Program funds hands-on STEM enrichment projects for K-12 students at North Carolina...
Read full detailsBright Ideas Education Grants
Bright Ideas Education Grants from North Carolina's electric cooperatives fund creative classroom projects across NC. Teachers can apply ...
Read full detailsPerkins V - Career & Technical Education
Perkins V funds career and technical education - robotics, engineering, and IT pathway equipment are standard uses. Your district's CTE d...
Read full detailsIDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA funds special education services nationwide - inclusive, hands-on STEM tools that support students with disabilities can qualify und...
Read full detailsTitle IV-A - Student Support & Academic Enrichment
Title IV-A is the federal formula fund built for exactly this: well-rounded education including STEM and computer science, plus effective...
Read full detailsTitle II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction
Title II-A pays for teacher professional development - including training on physical computing, robotics, and AI literacy.
Read full detailsTitle I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs
The largest federal K-12 program sends formula money to high-poverty schools every year - STEM kits, robotics, and enrichment curriculum ...
Read full detailsFIRST Team Grant Opportunities
FIRST's team grants page lists live sponsor grants ($500-$5,000 per team) all year - Boston Scientific's FRC grant is open now through Se...
Read full detailsNOAA B-WET (Bay Watershed Education & Training)
NOAA's B-WET program funds hands-on watershed education in seven coastal regions.
Read full detailsNSF STEM K-12 (NSF 25-545)
NSF's new STEM K-12 program consolidated its K-12 education funding into one door - proposals are accepted anytime, with awards from $25,...
Read full detailsDollar General Literacy Foundation Grants
Dollar General's literacy grants fund schools, libraries, and nonprofits near its stores - summer reading grants fit STEM-literacy summer...
Read full detailsLowe's Foundation Gable Grants
Lowe's Gable Grants fund skilled-trades education at scale - up to $1 million over five years.
Read full detailsMotorola Solutions Foundation Grants
Motorola Solutions' annual grants program funds STEM education and first-responder programs, with awards up to $50,000. The application w...
Read full detailsHonda USA Foundation Pillar Awards
Honda's annual funding cycle supports education programs including STEM under its community pillars.
Read full detailsToshiba America Foundation Grants
Toshiba funds hands-on math and science classroom projects, and teachers apply directly - no district sign-off needed.
Read full detailsNeed 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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