Elementary Computer Science Integration Professional Learning Grant

The Elementary Computer Science Integration Professional Learning grant is administered through a state-level education funding initiative designed to support the implementation of computer science instruction at the elementary level. The opportunity is managed by the Iowa Department of Education and is specifically structured as a reimbursement mechanism tied to participation in a designated professional development program. Rather than functioning as a traditional competitive grant, this funding opportunity is closely tied to pre-approved participation in a summer professional learning initiative focused on elementary computer science integration. The primary purpose of this grant is to ensure that teachers and districts participating in the Summer Elementary Computer Science Professional Development program have access to the required instructional materials and devices needed to fully engage in the training. The funding is intended to offset costs incurred by districts in acquiring these required materials, thereby reducing barriers to participation and supporting consistent implementation of the program across eligible districts. The scope of funding is therefore narrowly defined and limited to specific materials required by the professional development program. Allowable uses of funds are restricted exclusively to the purchase of required materials associated with the professional development sessions. Reimbursement is contingent upon strict compliance with program requirements, including timely acquisition of materials and submission of proof of purchase. Funds cannot be used for unrelated expenses, and only those materials explicitly identified as required for the program are eligible for reimbursement. There is no indication of matching fund requirements, and the funding structure does not specify minimum or maximum award amounts, as reimbursements are tied directly to documented expenditures. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly specific and limited. Only school districts and educators who have confirmed registrations for the Summer Elementary Computer Science Professional Development program are eligible to apply. This creates a closed eligibility pool in which participation in the training program serves as a prerequisite for funding access. Applicants uncertain about their eligibility are directed to contact the program officer for clarification. Additional participation requirements include full attendance at all professional development sessions and ensuring that teachers have access to required materials prior to the start of training. The application and reimbursement process requires districts to submit documentation verifying the purchase of required devices and materials. This includes proof of purchase and confirmation that materials were made available to participating teachers in advance of the training sessions. The process is administered through the WebGrants system, where registered users can apply and submit required documentation. There are no separate pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers, and the process appears to be administrative in nature rather than competitive. The application timeline includes a final submission deadline of November 2, 2026, with the project performance period running from July 1, 2026 through the same deadline. The opportunity was posted on April 21, 2026, and is not recurring, indicating that it is tied specifically to the 2026 summer professional development cycle. No award announcement date is specified, suggesting that reimbursements may be processed on a rolling or administrative basis upon verification of submitted documentation. Program oversight is provided by a designated consultant within the Iowa Department of Education. The primary point of contact is Michelle Meier, who is responsible for answering eligibility questions and providing guidance throughout the process. Applicants are encouraged to reach out directly for clarification regarding participation requirements or reimbursement procedures. Overall, this funding opportunity functions as a targeted support mechanism to ensure successful participation in a structured professional development initiative rather than as a broad-based competitive grant program.