Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Grants

The PLTW Computer Science Grant supported by Burns and McDonnell Foundation is part of a broader initiative administered by Project Lead The Way, a national nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to high quality STEM and career and technical education programs in schools across the United States. PLTW collaborates with corporate and philanthropic partners to fund implementation and expansion of hands on STEM curricula that prepare students for real world careers. Burns and McDonnell, an employee owned engineering and construction firm with a long history dating back to 1898, partners with PLTW to invest in communities where it operates by increasing student exposure to STEM learning opportunities. The purpose of this grant is to support public and charter schools in launching new PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the 2027 to 2028 academic year. The funding is specifically intended to reduce barriers to adoption of PLTW curriculum by offsetting costs associated with program startup and early implementation. These programs are designed to equip students with in demand and transferable technical skills by engaging them in real world problem solving scenarios and applied learning experiences. The funding scope includes allowable expenses such as PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, program specific equipment and supplies, and costs associated with PLTW Core Training for educators, including travel, lodging, and meals tied to that training. The grant explicitly excludes a number of expense categories including salaries, stipends unrelated to training, infrastructure upgrades, renovations, indirect costs, optional equipment, and certain training related penalties or fees. These restrictions ensure that funds are focused directly on program implementation and instructional capacity building. Eligibility is limited to public and charter schools located in specific counties across multiple states where Burns and McDonnell has a presence. Additionally, applicant schools must serve a student population in which at least 40 percent qualify for free or reduced price lunch, indicating a focus on supporting underserved communities. Applicants must commit to offering at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the first year of the grant and expanding to an additional course in the following year, along with completing two years of required reporting. The application process is conducted through the PLTW grant system, with schools permitted to submit one application per program during the annual grant cycle, which runs from July 1 through June 30. While grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the cycle, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply during the fall semester when the majority of awards are distributed. Applications remain active through the end of the cycle, allowing consideration for multiple funding opportunities without resubmission. The deadline for this specific opportunity is November 6, 2026. Grant awards total 20000 dollars distributed over two academic years, with 10000 dollars allocated in each year. Grantees are required to submit annual programmatic and financial reports by April 15 each year and participate in teacher and student survey data collection administered by PLTW. These reporting requirements support accountability and continuous program improvement. This funding opportunity appears to be part of an annual cycle aligned with the PLTW grant calendar, suggesting recurring availability. The structured timeline, defined reporting expectations, and phased funding distribution indicate a two year performance period tied to program rollout and sustainability. :