The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is investing $3 million to advance equity in computer science education.
ISBE announced that it has awarded 72 grants as part of the Computer Science Equity Grant program, which was established in Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2024 budget. The grant program is designed to enhance and expand computer science education in Grades K-12 statewide.
“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,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “We are removing barriers to future careers in technology by investing in our educators and our classrooms and ensuring all students gain exposure to high-quality computer science instruction.”
The grants, which are awarded for up to three years, have been fully appropriated for FY 2024 and 2025. ISBE did note that funding for FY 2026 subject to appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly.
Grant awards range from $10,194 to $60,700 with recipients including K–12 districts, Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, institutions of higher education, and Education for Employment offices. Funding will be used to expand learning opportunities, enhance teacher training, equip classrooms, increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in computer science classes, and support early preparation for secondary computer science success.
ISBE added that grant recipients will utilize advanced technology and educational tools – including 3-D printers, robotics kits, virtual reality tools, and digital design software – to provide students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. The goal of the funding is to help students develop skills in areas such as 3-D design, coding, robotics, and digital modeling, preparing them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The grants also support the acquisition of industry-recognized credentials, such as drone piloting and digital media certifications.
Priority for funding was given to entities serving populations underrepresented in the computer science labor market based on gender or racial/ethnic identities, and schools or districts lacking accessible computer science coursework based on population, rigor, and grade-level availability.
