Applications and supporting documentation for the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE's) Designing for Impact: Next Level Computer Science Grant are due Friday, March 29, at noon ET.

Grant Period: Monday, July 1, through Sunday, June 30, 2025

Application Release Date: Friday, March 1

Application Due Date: Noon p.m. ET on Friday, March 29

Elgibility Criteria: Applicants must be a postsecondary educational institution or
an organization that provides a nationally-recognized and high-quality professional development training program in computer science education.

Grant Award Notification: Friday, April 26

To enhance and strengthen the impact of Indiana computer science learning opportunities for Indiana PreK-12 students, the Designing for Impact: Next Level Computer Science Grant was developed to produce the following key results:

• Increase computer science pedagogical knowledge of in-service and pre-service teachers;
• Increase teacher understanding of and ability to implement authentic problem solving using computing to address or improve systems and circumstances in local communities; and
• Provide professional pathways for educators to access and be successful in acquiring transferable credentialing and licensing opportunities.

Grant Eligibility

To achieve these key results and outcomes outlined in the Designing for Impact: Next Level Computer Science Grant, PK-12 schools need targeted support. Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-20-45-1, applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria: 

• A postsecondary educational institution; or
• Any organization that provides a nationally-recognized and high-quality professional development training program in computer science education.

Application Components

Please review the grant summary and application overview of the grant guidance prior to completing the grant narrative.

Grant Narrative

In the space below, please clearly articulate your Designing for Impact plan that satisfies the criteria in Domain 1: Computer Science Pedagogy Development.

Successful grant applications will:

• 1.1: Identify the strand(s) you seek to address and explain how proposed activities will achieve key results of the grant.
• 1.2: Develop an implementation timeline along with a sustainability plan that will support this work after the grant cycle has ended.
• 1.3: Develop and describe a communication plan to promote opportunities created through this grant to in-service teachers, pre-service teachers, and regional stakeholders.
• 1.4: Identify support personnel within eligible organizations who will be responsible for implementing proposed grant activities and define the roles they will play in implementation and sustainability.
• 1.5: Create a system of collecting and reporting data to measure progress of implementation throughout the grant cycle. 

In the space below, please clearly articulate your Designing for Impact plan that satisfies the criteria in Domain 2: Collaboration with Regional Stakeholders.

Successful grant applications will:

• 2.1: Identify regional stakeholders who will assist in implementing proposed grant activity development and implementation.

• 2.2: Provide selection criteria or qualifications for selected regional stakeholders and explain role(s) and responsibilities in proposed grant activities.

• 2.3: Provide letters of support from regional stakeholders for engaging in a defined role in implementing proposed grant activities (including primary contact information).

Budget Narrative

Applicants must develop and submit a budget narrative to justify the costs, by category, in their budget. Budget narratives should explain how the cost associated with each category relates directly to the implementation of the proposed program. Budget and budget narratives will be evaluated based on their alignment to the project narrative. All allowable expenses are subject to the restriction that they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to fulfill the objectives of this grant as specified in the application submitted to, and approved by, IDOE.

Each line item in the budget narrative should include the following:

1. Description of cost; and
2. How do these costs relate directly to the implementation of the proposed program?
    

 

Budget Summary

Please download and complete the Budget Summary Template linked below. Grant funds must be reasonable, allocable, and necessary to fulfill the objectives of the grant. Evaluators will cross reference the budget to the grant narrative. Any expenses listed on the budget narrative or summary that do not align with the described program may result in a fail.

Grant Budget Summary Template

 

Proposed travel costs must adhere to the Indiana state travel guielines found here.

Statement of Assurances

Certification by Authorized or Institutional Officials

The applicant certifies that to the best of their knowledge the information in this application is correct, that the governing body of this organization or institution duly authorizes the filing of this application, and that the applicant will comply with the following statement of assurnaces:

The applicant assures the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) of compliance with the following requirements as they relate to the acceptance and use of Designing for Impact: Next Level Computer Science Grant funds:

1. Grant funds will be used for the following:

• Personnel
• Travel
• Supplies/Curriculum Materials
• Contractual Services
• Teacher Stipends

2. The applicant certifies it will participate in all reporting, monitoring, or evaluation activities as requested or required by IDOE, Indiana Code, or State Board of Accounts audits.

3. The applicant will keep accurate records relating to this grant on file.

4. The applicant will ensure reimbursement requests are accurate, reflect only approved grant activities, and will be accompanied by supporting documentation upon submission to IDOE.

5. The applicant will submit a budget modification form or request for an amendment to IDOE if plans for use of grant funds change.

6. The applicant confirms it will not implement such changes until or unless IDOE written approval has been received.

7. The President or CEO and Finance/Business Office Director have reviewed and approved the grant application.

8. All travel for this agreement is done on behalf of IDOE, and the Indiana state travel policy will be followed.

9. The applicant has reviewed the State Contracting section of the grant guidelines (insert link) and confirmed registration with the Secretary of State's Office (SOS), the State Comptroller's Office (SCO), and the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) prior to submitting application materials.

 

The above signature indicates approval of the organization or institution governance.