Alabama State Funding
Middle School Programming Grant
Eligibility
- Must be an Alabama public school LEA, submitting on behalf of a public middle school serving Grades 6-8.
- Only one application per LEA system
Goals
- Fund curriculum implementation for computer programming in middle school (Grades 6-8).
- Build teacher capacity and student skills across areas such as coding languages, website development, animations/games, data, physical computing/robotics, engineering, aerospace, cybersecurity, and simulations.
Application Due Date
- Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Next application cycle expected to open in August 2027
Grant Award Total Amount
- Up to $25,000 per LEA
Allowable Purchases
- Professional development in robotics, coding, website development, animations/games, engineering, aerospace, cybersecurity, etc. (subject to ALSDE approval).
- Supplies, equipment, and/or software supporting CS for 6-8 grade students
- Unallowable items include: competition/entrance fees, furniture, technology carts or carrying cases, chargers/power supplies, and teacher travel stipends.
Aligned grant initiative to LEGO® Education Solutions:
- LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI is the strongest fit: it directly supports the grant's core purpose — computer programming for Grades 6-8 — with standards-aligned coding, computational thinking, and AI content that can anchor a district's PD and curriculum implementation narrative.
Program Implementation Requirements
- Applications require a narrative (project summary, current CS implementation phase, focus areas, goals/outcomes, sustainability plan, and use of funds) plus a line-item budget submitted in .xlsx format, approved by the superintendent and CFO.
- All budget items must be pre-approved by ALSDE, and equipment/software must be justified as supporting the funded professional development — not purchased as standalone materials.
Keep in Mind
- This is a competitive, rubric-scored process (not formula-based) — proposals are ranked and funding is not guaranteed.
- Optional virtual technical assistance sessions: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1 p.m., and Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. (registration links in the memo).
- Contact: Mrs. Amanda C. Dykes, Education Specialist — 334-694-4761 / amanda.dykes@alsde.edu
Ready to bring LEGO® Education to your district?
