Background
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §115.455, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is authorized to award a grant to an entity to provide information technology education opportunities to public school pupils in grades 6 to 12, technical college district students, and patrons of public libraries (the Information Technology Education Grant). Only one entity will be awarded the grant.
Funds
This is an annual (fixed) appropriation, beginning in FY24 at $875,000.
Application Materials
The grant application packet which contains more information such as the application questions and a scoring rubric can be found here: https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/forms/pdf/f9562.pdf
Application Due Date
Eligible entities must submit their application using the online application form found at: https://widpi.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0DFDqAhgHGnxskm
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.
DPI reserves the right to reject any submitted proposal and will do so if the proposal does not adhere to funding applications or application preparation instructions.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the Information Technology Education Grant, the entity must demonstrate that it has successfully offered an information technology instructional program in schools in this state, shall develop an instructional program that includes all of the following components, and shall ensure that the instructional program will be operated in 225 sites, including 16 public libraries:
- A research-based curriculum emphasizing the development of information technology skills.
- Online access to the curriculum.
- Instructional software for use in the classroom and at a pupil’s home.
- A curriculum that aligns with the coding and other techniques included on the computer science Advanced Placement examination. In developing the required curriculum, the entity must ensure that a pupil who successfully completes the curriculum and passes the Advanced Placement examination is eligible for certification.
- Certifications of skills and competencies in a broad range of information technology−related skill areas, including applications used most often in businesses.
- Professional development and co-teaching for teachers and administrators, including teachers providing instruction in the information technology program.
- Deployment and program support, including integration of the information technology instructional program with curriculum standards.
- Opportunities for pupils completing the information technology program to earn college credit.
In awarding the Information Technology Education Grant, the DPI shall give preference to an entity that demonstrates that it has successfully provided high-quality information technology instructional programming and educational opportunities to pupils enrolled in or attending schools in this state.
Award Administration
Award Conditions
The selected entity must provide documentation to the Department that provides evidence that the entity has conducted the activities necessary to meet the criteria for grant eligibility (e.g., pertaining to the number and location of sites, and the required components of the instructional program, as specified in the Abstract portion of the application), by June 30, 2023.
Reporting Requirements
Reporting requirements will be included in the grant award letter.
The awarded entity will be required to submit the following information for each fiscal year for DPI as evidence that the entity has met all assurances:
- copy of all site agreements
- a list of all sites (as defined in FAQ #3) that may be utilizing the online curricular materials (with or without the certification option), as explained under “Who is Eligible to Apply?”.
- a usage report of all program requirements
- a per site usage and completion report on all program requirements
- school listing available to DPI to allow auditing the Technical Incentive Grant claims.