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Finding Computer Science, CTE & STEM Funding and Resources

Explore this guide to common funding streams schools and districts use to support curriculum, professional development, and implementation.

Written by Sara Jenis
Updated over a week ago

Federal Funding Sources

Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V)

Perkins V is the primary federal funding source for CTE programs. These funds are distributed to states and then allocated to eligible secondary and postsecondary institutions.

Perkins funds may be used for:

  • CTE curriculum and instructional materials

  • Industry-aligned pathways (including Computer Science)

  • Equipment and technology

  • Teacher professional development

  • Program improvement and expansion

Computer Science programs aligned to CTE pathways often qualify under Perkins funding.

Learn more: https://cte.ed.gov/

ESSA Title IV, Part A — Student Support & Academic Enrichment (SSAE)

Title IV-A funds provide flexible block grants to districts and can support:

  • STEM and Computer Science programs

  • Technology purchases

  • Professional development

  • Enrichment programs

Districts have broad flexibility in how these funds are used to expand access to well-rounded educational opportunities.

Learn more: https://www.ed.gov/

Title II — Professional Development

Title II funds focus on improving teacher quality and may be used for:

  • Computer Science professional development

  • Instructional coaching

  • Training for new CS teachers

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

These funds support after-school and summer programs and may be used for:

  • STEM and CS enrichment

  • Coding clubs and extended learning programs

State Adoption & Instructional Materials Funding

In many states, districts receive dedicated instructional materials allotments or state adoption funds that can be used to purchase curriculum and digital instructional resources.

If a curriculum is:

  • Officially adopted by the state, or

  • Listed on a state’s High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) list

…districts may be able to use instructional materials funds for purchase.

CodeHS State Adoptions & HQIM Listings

CodeHS is adopted or listed as high-quality instructional materials in the following states:

  • Texas

  • Florida

  • South Carolina

  • Utah

  • Tennessee

  • Indiana

  • Nevada

  • Oklahoma

Districts in these states may be able to use state instructional materials funds or adoption budgets to purchase CodeHS curriculum.

For specific guidance, check with your state education agency or district curriculum office regarding eligibility and purchasing processes.

State-Level Computer Science & STEM Grants

Many states offer additional CS- or STEM-specific grants. These may include:

  • Computer Science teacher professional development grants

  • Equipment and technology grants

  • STEM innovation funds

  • Workforce pathway grants

Here are some representative examples (and links to learn more):

Arizona

Colorado

Georgia

Iowa

Maine

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Washington

Wisconsin

Wyoming

These are representative — check your state education agency for the most current opportunities.

Additional Funding Sources

Local & District Funds

  • Curriculum and instructional materials budgets

  • Technology budgets

  • Innovation or pilot program funds

  • CTE pathway allocations

Private & Corporate Grants

Schools may also seek funding from:

  • Local foundations

  • Corporate STEM initiatives

  • Education-focused nonprofit organizations

Community Partnerships

  • Local businesses

  • Workforce boards

  • PTA or education foundations

Tips for Securing Funding

✔ Align your CS program to workforce readiness goals

✔ Highlight alignment to state standards and graduation pathways

✔ Emphasize equity and access to high-demand careers

✔ Combine multiple funding sources when possible

✔ Coordinate with your district finance or grants office early

Need Help?

The CodeHS team works with schools and districts nationwide to identify funding pathways and implementation plans.

Contact us to learn how we can support your funding strategy and CS rollout.

Contact Us
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