Virginia State Funding
ACSE Grants Program
Eligibility
- All Virginia public school divisions (LEAs), full-time regional public schools, and programs with a local or regional school board
- Institutions of higher education, regional programs, and educational organizations may participate only in partnership with an eligible public education entity
- Each LEA may submit one individual proposal and also participate in one consortium proposal
Goals
- Expand high-quality computer science (CS) instruction and learning opportunities aligned with Virginia’s 2024 CS Standards of Learning
- Support teacher professional development, curriculum development, student engagement, and sustainability of CS programs
- Increase student access and interest in CS, with a focus on at-risk students and underserved schools
Application Due Date
- September 8, 2025 (by email in PDF format to vdoe.computerscience@doe.virginia.gov)
Grant Cycle
- October 15, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Funds must be expended by June 30, 2026
- Final report due by July 31, 2026
Grant Award Total Amount
- Total funding available: $1.35 million
- Maximum award by project type:
- Type A (Professional Learning & Instructional Resources): up to $75,000
- Type B (Student Experiences and Engagement): up to $75,000
- Type C (Strategic Expansion and Sustainability): up to $75,000
- Type D (AP Computer Science Expansion): up to $50,000 depending on the number of schools
Allowable Purchases
- Professional development aligned with Virginia’s 2024 CS Standards
- Student-focused summer/after-school programming and work-based learning
- Instructional technology platforms and physical computing kits (up to 40% of budget)
- LEGO® Education solutions such as SPIKE™ Essential and SPIKE™ Prime align well for:
- Engaging hands-on CS learning
- Supporting interdisciplinary teaching in STEM
- Enhancing student interest and understanding of computing
- Curriculum-aligned activities for both in-school and OST programs
- Supporting PD aligned with instructional integration of CS across content areas
Program Implementation Requirements
- Projects must be grounded in research-based practices and include a logic model
- Dissemination of created resources via #GoOpenVA is required
- Evaluation methods must include both formative and summative components
Keep in Mind
- Each LEA can only lead one individual proposal, but may participate in one consortium proposal
- Priority given to projects that serve at-risk students or expand access
- Proposals must include a budget narrative, sustainability plan, defined outcomes, and partnership roles
- Lead designees must attend coordination meetings in November 2025 and March 2026
- Final reports and unspent funds due by July 31, 2026