A grant opportunity for school districts to provide resources for students interested in computer science is now available through the Iowa Department of Education. 

Recently the state office announced $850,000 in competitive grant funding is available to Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to align computer science programs, including career and technical education programs in information technology and business management and administration, with the attainment of industry-recognized credentials. 

The new Credentials to Computer Science Careers grant will support high schoolers earning in-demand technology credentials with labor market value. Applying school districts should demonstrate clear, sustainable plans to align one or more existing computer science pathways with student attainment of an industry-recognized credential aligned to industry needs and labor market demand. Any computer science or IT-related credential will qualify, provided it is a new opportunity not previously made available to their students. 

Allowable costs can include student exam fees, instructional equipment, non-consumable instructional supplies, computer equipment and software, wired and wireless internet connections, installation costs, instructor training related to new equipment purchases, instructor training expenses required to offer the credential and curriculum enhancements and associated travel costs.

Applications for the Credentials to Computer Science Careers grant are being accepted now at IowaGrants.gov. The application deadline is September 30th. This competitive grant opportunity is part of a statewide initiative to expand opportunities for students to attain an industry recognized credential while in high school.