Avon Micro-Grants for K-12 Outreach Programs

Purpose: Support the creation and startup of new K-12 computing outreach programs, especially those designed to broaden participation in computing at minority-serving institutions.

Background: The program evolved from the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund, which awarded $5,000 weekly to creators of programs empowering women. NCWIT used this funding to support the "Bring IT On!" workshops that teach schools how to establish their own K-12 outreach programs.

Eligibility:

• Students, faculty members, or staff members in computing-related disciplines at colleges or universities
• Groups consisting of a faculty/staff member and one or more students are strongly encouraged
• Open to schools establishing new K-12 outreach programs

Focus Areas:

• K-12 computing outreach
• Broadening participation in computing
• Counter negative perceptions of computing careers
• Programs targeting underrepresented groups in computing
• Programs at minority-serving institutions preferred

Geographic Scope: Initially focused on Indiana schools; now offering awards to other schools

What They Fund:

• Startup costs for new K-12 outreach programs
• Travel costs for school visits
• Program development and implementation

Application Process

How to Apply:
Send an email to [email protected] with the following information:

1. School and department information - Name of institution and specific department/program
2. Location - City and state
3. Faculty advisor contact information - Name and how to reach the designated faculty advisor
4. School type - Specify type of institution (e.g., R1, teaching, community, public, private)
5. Program summary - Brief description of program status and outline of plans for first year
6. Resource sharing agreement - Agreement to share developed resources with online community

Additional Support:
Workshops are available for groups needing help with the nuts and bolts of designing K-12 outreach programs ("Roadshow" model). Workshop proposed for SIGCSE 2009 with Katie A. Siek and Chris Stephenson (Executive Director of Computer Science Teachers Association).