Computer Science Equity Grant Program

• Illinois school districts, charter schools, area vocational centers, Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, state higher education institutions, and laboratory schools
• Applicants must complete annual Grant Accountability and Transparency Act registration and prequalification and maintain an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier
• Joint applications are permitted among eligible entities but must designate an administrative and fiscal agent and include a signed Memorandum of Understanding

• Expand equitable access to K–12 computer science coursework aligned with Illinois standards and emerging workforce needs
• Increase educator proficiency in computer science instruction through professional learning
• Recruit and serve students who are underrepresented in the computer science labor market and prepare K–8 students for secondary computer science coursework and careers

• August 3, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Grant Cycle:

• Initial grant period begins no sooner than January 1, 2027, and ends June 30, 2027
• Successful applicants may submit continuing applications for up to two additional years, contingent on appropriations, compliance, and satisfactory performance

• $1.5 million in total funding is available, subject to appropriation
• Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000

• Professional development and supplies for teacher to train with
• Classroom materials, supplies, software, technology, curriculum, resource guides, texts, manuals, and equipment used for computer science instruction
• Recruitment activities serving K–12 students who are underrepresented in the computer science labor market
• Staffing, contracted services, mentoring, student supports, and educator supports necessary to implement the proposed computer science program
• Indirect costs based on the applicable approved or allowable rate

• LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI provides a structured K–8 pathway that directly supports the grant’s goal of preparing students for computer science coursework and future computer science careers.
• By combining state standards-aligned lessons, classroom materials, and educator support, our solution helps your district address the grant’s expectations for program quality, educator readiness, and effective use of funded technology.
• Our hands-on, collaborative learning model creates accessible entry points for every student with varying levels of prior CS experience, supporting your district’s efforts to reach all students.
• LEGO® Education Professional Development supports educator proficiency, implementation readiness, and the grant’s required training investment by helping teachers confidently use funded materials and deliver computer science instruction.
• Reusable classroom materials, ongoing instructional resources, and educator capacity-building support the grant’s emphasis on program sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and continued computer science learning after the grant period ends.

• At least 5% of the award or $2,000, whichever is greater, must support training for teachers, counselors, and principals
• No more than 80% of grant funds may be used for materials and equipment
• Reimbursable professional learning must occur outside the contractual school day and should support sustainability through coaching, leadership development, or train-the-trainer models
• Applicants must provide evidence of alignment with the Illinois Computer Science Learning Standards and include a three- to five-year sustainability plan
• Recipients must submit quarterly expenditure reports, a mid-year report by December 31, and an annual report by September 30

• A recorded, nonmandatory technical assistance session is scheduled to be posted July 15, 2026, on the ISBE Standards and Courses website
• Frequently asked questions and NOFO changes may be updated through July 27, 2026; applicants should review the grant site before submitting
• Applications must include the required application, narrative, objectives and activities, evaluation design, budget documents, and joint applicant MOU when applicable
• Applicants may participate in only one application, based on their Federal Employer Identification Number
• Proposals scoring below 60 points will not be funded, and priority points are available for serving underrepresented students and schools with limited computer science coursework
• Applications submitted without an RCDT code, required prequalification, an authorized signature, or a required joint applicant MOU will be ineligible