Newly released federal grant program shows priority for computer science

We finally have the first details we’ve waited for since September of last year, and it’s a step forward. The Department of Education has opened applications for the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, which will grant up to $115 million this year to STEM/CS and other programs. The program has two competitive priorities, one of which is “Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) education, with a particular focus on CS.”

Some background

In September, the Administration directed the Department of Education to commit $200M/year for STEM and computer science. The Secretary of Education then identified STEM + CS as one of 11 priorities for federal education grant programs. The new EIR solicitation is the second program for which the Department has released details. The Department previously released information on the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program in late March.

What’s new

One of the two absolute priorities for the EIR program is “Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) education, with a particular focus on CS.” Unlike the SEED grant program, the EIR program requires programs to reach “high need” students and highlights funding for rural areas.

Computer science programs, please apply!

We encourage every qualified program in K-12 computer science to consider applying for grants under either the EIR or SEED programs. If you’re considering applying, here’s a resource we created with details about the application process for EIR. The deadline for applications is June 5th.

The Department of Ed will answer your questions

The US Department of Education hosted a webinar for the CS education community to go over key implementation details, brief the community on opportunities, and answer any questions on Tuesday, April 24. Click here to listen to the Department’s recorded program.

Cameron Wilson, President — Code.org Advocacy Coalition