Computer Science Grant Program

Computer science education grant program - appropriation. The act creates in the department of education the computer science education grant program (grant program) to provide money to public schools or school districts in order to increase enrollment or participation of traditionally underrepresented students in computer science education activities.

The act requires the state board of education (board) to promulgate rules necessary for the implementation of the grant program.

The act requires the board to give priority to grant applications that:

• Demonstrate how the applicant will use the grant to serve a high-poverty student population, a high percentage of minority students, students in rural areas, or a high percentage of female students;
• Expose students to diverse professionals within the computer science industry; or
• Demonstrate a low number of computer science education courses or clubs offered in the public school or school district, if any.

The act appropriates $250,000 each year for the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 fiscal years, from the general fund to the department of education. The department shall distribute the money to the education providers that receive a grant.

The act requires each grant recipient to submit a report to the board.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)