Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced the allocation of $3 million in grants to enhance computer science education across the state. A total of 72 grants have been awarded under the Computer Science Equity Grants program, which was established as part of Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2024 budget. The initiative aims to ensure that students from kindergarten through 12th grade have access to rigorous computer science courses and are prepared for a workforce increasingly reliant on technology.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “Computer science jobs are some of the highest paying and most in-demand. Our Computer Science Equity Grants tackle the social and structural barriers that limit students’ access to lucrative computer science fields.” He highlighted that by investing in educators and classrooms, barriers to future careers in technology are being removed.

State Representative Carol Ammons echoed this sentiment, saying, “Every child in Illinois deserves a front-row seat to a world-class education." She noted that historically, equal access to opportunities has been lacking but expressed optimism about the new grants. "By allocating $3 million for K-12 teachers to equip their classrooms for computer science instruction, we’re giving them the tools necessary to bridge the digital divide," she added.

The grant awards range from $10,194 to $60,700 and include recipients such as K–12 districts, Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, institutions of higher education, and Education for Employment offices. These funds will be used over up to three years—fully appropriated for FY 2024 and 2025—with FY 2026 subject to further appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly.

Grant recipients will focus on expanding learning opportunities by utilizing advanced technology like 3-D printers and robotics kits. They will also work on enhancing teacher training and increasing enrollment among underrepresented student groups in computer science classes. The aim is not only skill development but also preparation for careers in STEM fields through hands-on learning experiences.

In alignment with Public Act 101-0654, this program supports universal access to computer science education for high school students while promoting computer literacy at every grade level. Priority consideration was given to entities serving underrepresented populations or those without accessible coursework options.

For more details about the grant program and awardees, interested parties can visit ISBE’s Standards and Instruction webpage.