Applications are now open for the Rural Technology Education Grants.
Projects they fund are designed to help spark student interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas. In some cases, these project donations may include a few smaller items like a Raspberry Pi microcomputer or a robotics kit. In other situations, they partner with school districts to provide entire Maker Spaces equipped with things like circuit development kits, 3-D printers, robotics kits, and classroom sets of individual microcomputers to build upon. They also frequently fund early-stage robotics classes, teams, and clubs interested in project-based learning that culminates in competitive events like FIRST.
Funding Information
The average grant ranges from $500-$2500. Larger amounts are considered for projects whose impact reaches large groups of students.
They typically fund Rural Tech Projects that:
Help introduce and teach students about computer technology. This includes computer science, programming, robotics, engineering, and design.
Teach students to solve real-world, human service, and community impacting problems using computer technology.
Are conducted by schools in rural or high-poverty areas.
Are designed to reach multiple students within a school, equitably.
Help establish ongoing student interest groups like maker spaces and coding clubs.
They do not fund Rural Tech Projects that:
Merely use computers to teach traditional, not computer-related subjects.
Are conducted by private or charter schools.
Are limited to only a few students.
Are exclusively for students in gifted and talented programs.
Eligibility Criteria
They currently only provide grants to schools and organizations operating in the United States.
