State Programs: Computer Science Equity Grant Program

Application Period: 06/18/2026 - 08/03/2026 : 5 PM

Apply here: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Request-for-Proposals.aspx

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Application Documents

FileView.aspx

State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name State Board Of Education
Agency Contact Neha Thakkar (standards@isbe.net)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number 27-3999-CS
Funding Opportunity Title State Programs: Computer Science Equity Grant Program
CSFA Number 586-43-3167
CSFA Popular Name Computer Science Equity Grant Program
Anticipated Number of Awards 0
Estimated Total Program Funding $1,500,000
Award Range $10000 - $100000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 06/18/2026
Application Date Range 06/18/2026 - 08/03/2026 : 5 PM
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Request-for-Proposals.aspx
Technical Assistance Session

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UNIFORM NOTICE FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)
Summary Information
Data Field
1. Awarding Agency Name: Illinois State Board of Education
2. Agency Contact: Standards and Instruction Department
Neha Thakkar
Standards@isbe.net
217-782-4322
3. Announcement Type: Initial announcement
4. Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant
5. Funding Opportunity Number: 27-3999-CS
6. Funding Opportunity Title: Computer Science Equity Program
7. CSFA Number: 586-43-3167
8. CSFA Popular Name: State Programs: Computer Science Equity Grant
9. Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA Not Applicable
Number):
10. Anticipated Number of Awards: TBD
11. Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000
12. Award Range $10,000-$100,000
13. Source of Funding: State
14. Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirement:
15. Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs
16. Posted Date: June 18, 2026
17. Application Range: TBD
18. Technical Assistance Session: Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Webinar posting date: 7/15/2026
Link: Standards and Courses

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Agency Specific Content for the NOFO
Computer Science Equity Program
For information about grants please visit ISBE’s Funding Opportunity Page
A. Program Description
Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announces this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
for the Computer Science Equity Grant, established under Public Act 103-0264. This competitive
grant supports coordinated statewide professional learning to expand equitable access to K–12
computer science education.
Program Description
The Computer Science Equity Grant is a competitive grant designed to expand equitable access
to K–12 computer science learning through coordinated statewide professional development and
program support. The grant funds eligible entities to develop or enhance computer science
programs in K–12 public schools, with a focus on reducing access barriers and improving equity
outcomes for all students. Grant recipients are responsible for ensuring appropriate facilities
and educator training to support the effective use of funded technologies. The program also
includes requirements related to funding, renewal, and rulemaking.
Program History
The Computer Science Equity Grant is a competitive grant created by Public Act 103-0264.
Funding is subject to appropriations.
Performance Goals
One hundred percent of Computer Science Equity Grant funds will be used to expand equitable
K–12 computer science learning opportunities aligned to state standards and workforce needs.
Funds will support teacher professional learning in computer science, classroom materials and
equipment used exclusively for computer science instruction, and targeted recruitment of
students underrepresented in the computer science workforce.
Performance Measures
• One hundred percent of all planned Computer Science Equity Grant funds are being
used to expand learning opportunities in Grades K-12 to ensure that all students
have access to computer science coursework that is aligned to rigorous state
standards and emerging labor market needs.
• One hundred percent of funds used for professional learning to train and retrain
teachers of Grades K-12 will be used to make teachers more proficient in computer
science.
• One hundred percent of funds used to supply classrooms with materials and
equipment are related to the teaching and learning of computer science.
• One hundred percent of funds used to recruit K-12 students focuses on learners who
are underrepresented in the computer science labor market.
Program Objectives
The purpose of the Computer Science Equity Grant is to support the development or
enhancement of computer science programs in K-12 schools. Grant funds awarded may be used
only to:
• Expand learning opportunities in Grades K-12 to ensure that all students have access
to computer science coursework that is aligned to rigorous state standards and
emerging labor market needs.

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• Train and retrain teachers of Grades K-12 to be more proficient in the teaching of
computer science by providing professional development opportunities.
• Supply classrooms with materials and equipment related to the teaching and
learning of computer science.
• More effectively recruit and better serve K-12 learners who are underrepresented in
the computer science labor market for enrollment in computer science coursework;
and
• Fund initiatives in any grades of K-8 that are designed specifically to prepare
students in those grades to participate successfully in secondary computer science
coursework or future computer science careers.
Performance Standards
• No more than 80% of grant funds may be used to purchase materials and
equipment.
• Support sustainability of computer science programming through advanced
professional learning models, including coaching, leadership development, or
train-the-trainer approaches. Professional learning must be conducted outside of the
contractual school day to be an allowable reimbursable expense.
• Funds for materials or equipment related to the teaching and learning of computer
science may be used only when the applicant demonstrates that educators are
appropriately trained on the use of any technologies or devices acquired for the
purposes of the grant or that a plan is in place to provide training, consistent with
Sections 700.20(b).
• Recruitment demonstrates progress of K-12 students who are underrepresented in
the computer science labor market.
Deliverables and Milestones:
Grant recipients shall submit quarterly expenditure reports, a mid-year report no later than
December 31, and an annual report no later than September 30 containing program-related data
in a format specified by ISBE; more details will be shared after grantees are awarded.
In addition to the quarterly expenditure, mid-year and end-of-year reports:
1. Year 1: Planning (FY 2027) – 100 percent of the planning process will take place
during the planning year.
2. Year 2: Implementation (FY 2028) – At least 50 percent of the implementation plan
should be completed and reported appropriately to ISBE.
3. Year 3: Implementation and Planning for Sustainability (FY 2029) – At least 90
percent of the implementation plan will be completed and reported to ISBE.
Other Information
Eligible applicants are only allowed to participate in one (1) application. An entity will be
determined by its Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
Joint applications, please see Section D. Eligible Applicants for more information.
Application Ineligibility
An application will be deemed ineligible and will NOT be read if any of the following is applicable:
4. The application is from joint applications and does not contain the required MOU.
5. The application is not signed by an authorized representative on page 3 of
Attachment 1.

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6. The application is submitted prior to the applicant obtaining a Region County
District Type (RCDT) code.
7. The applicant does not complete Steps 1-3 of the State of Illinois Grant
Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) prequalification process prior to
submitting an application.
8. The application is submitted after the deadline of August 3, 2026 at 5 pm.
B. Funding Information
Eligible applicants must meet the criteria for funding. Funding for competitive state grant awards
is on a payment schedule pending budget approval and the filing of expenditure reports in the
Financial Reimbursement Information System (FRIS). Funding will be routed through school
districts.
The total available funding is $1.5 million subject to availability. Priority points will be given in
accordance with 23 Ill. Admin. Code § 700.60(f).
Entities with an approvable budget that are awarded are eligible to receive up to $100,000 a
year. Awards will be determined at ISBE’s discretion, based on the final application score.
Grant awards will be made based on application score and are subject to the availability of funds.
Higher-scoring applications will have priority for awards until funding is exhausted.
Grant Period: The grant period will begin no sooner than January 1, 2027, and will extend from
the execution date of the grant until June 30, 2027. Successful applicants may reapply via
continuing application for up to two (2) additional year(s) of renewal funding. Renewal funding
in the subsequent years is contingent upon compliance with federal and state laws, state grant-
making rules, passage of sufficient appropriations for the program, and satisfactory
performance in the preceding grant period. No promise or undertaking made in this NOFO is an
assurance that a grant agreement will be renewed, nor does this NOFO create any right to or
expectation of renewal.
ISBE reserves the right to determine the number and amount of awards based upon the total
funds appropriated for this program. It is possible that grantees may not be awarded the full
amount of requested funding.
C. Eligibility Information
An entity may not apply for a grant until the entity has registered and pre-qualified through the
Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Registration and pre-
qualification are required annually.
During pre-qualification, verifications are performed including a check of federal SAM.gov
Exclusion List and status on the Illinois Stop Payment List. The Grantee Portal alerts the entity
alerts of “qualified” status or informs how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., missing UEI-
Unique Entity Identifier assigned in sam.gov, not in good standing with the Secretary of State).
Inclusion on the SAM.gov Exclusion List cannot be remediated.
All entities must be qualified to do business with the State of Illinois. To be qualified for a grant
award, an entity must:
• Have a registered, active, publicly listed Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with SAM.gov.
• Not be on the Federal Excluded Parties List.
• Be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable.
• Not be on the Illinois Stop Pay List; and
• Not be on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider
Sanctions list.

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Prequalification status is verified nightly within the GATA Grantee Portal and will interface
overnight with IWAS.
NOTE: Grant applications must be submitted by the application deadline indicated in this NOFO.
Applicants are advised to complete the prequalification requirements well in advance of the
NOFO deadline.
Tentative awardees will be required to complete an FY 2027 Fiscal and Administrative Risk
Assessment in the form of an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) available through the GATA
Grantee Portal, an FY 2027 Organizational Risk Assessment through the ISBE Web Application
Security (IWAS) system, and the FY 2027 Programmatic Risk Assessment that is found within the
electronic Grants Management System budget. Grant awards will not be executed until the FY
2027 ICQ, Organizational Risk Assessment, and Programmatic Risk Assessment are completed.
Region County District Type Code Requirement: Applicants will need to use their RCDT code
when applying. Applicants may verify their RCDT code on the ISBE Region County District Type
Schools (RCDTS) Lookup webpage.
First-time applicants without an RCDT code must call or email the program contact for
information on how to establish an RCDT code before applying. Please allow up to four weeks
for the processing of such a request. An entity that applies prior to obtaining an RCDT code is
ineligible.
This grant is subject to the provisions of:
9. 2 CFR Part 200
10. Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), 30 ILCS 708/1 et seq.
11. Administrative Rules for GATA, 44 Ill. Admin. Code Part 7000
12. Computer Science Equity Grant Program, 105 ILCS 5/2-3.199
13. Computer Science Equity Grant Program, 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 700.
14. ISBE Merit-Based Review Policy
D. Eligible Applicants
Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); state higher
education institutions; schools designated as laboratory schools; area vocational centers;
charter schools; and school districts are eligible to apply. Entities that are approved shall be
responsible for ensuring that they have facilities available, and educators who are
appropriately trained on the use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of
the grant.
Joint Applications may be submitted if all entities in the joint application are eligible
applicants. An administrative and fiscal agent must be designated for each proposal. Each co-
applicant is equally responsible for the implementation of the grant and will sign off on all
certifications and assurances. All joint applications must have a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between co-applicants that includes the signature of each district
superintendent or official authorized to submit the proposal, signifying that they agree to
participate in the joint application. The MOU must outline the terms of the agreement,
including the services that will be provided, designation of responsibilities, timelines for
actions, and all financial arrangements. All MOUs must be submitted with the proposal as
Attachment 7A.
At a minimum, the MOU must include the following information:
15. A description of the collaboration among the joint applicants regarding the planning
and design of the program.

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16. An assurance that the Computer Science Equity Grant program application was
developed jointly between joint applicants, and that the program will be carried out
in collaboration with all parties.
17. A description of each joint applicant’s role in the delivery of services.
18. An explanation of how resources will be shared to carry out each joint applicant’s
role.
19. An explanation of how each joint applicant will have significant and ongoing
involvement in the management and oversight of the program.
20. A description of how the students will be chosen for the program.
21. A description of how and when data, surveys, and information about the Computer
Science Equity Grant will be collected, compiled, and shared over the term of the
grant, including surveys of students, parents, and teachers; a comparison of
students’ grades for the first and fourth quarters; and the collection of state
assessment scores.
22. Services provided by a joint applicant within the grant and as required by the
assurances and the terms of the grant should be provided in partnership and neither
party should benefit or profit from services provided or required within the grant.
Joint Applications that do not include a signed MOU at the time of submission will
not be scored.
Cost Sharing or Matching
This NOFO does not have a cost sharing or cost matching requirement.
Indirect Cost Rate
The federal Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 requires that grantees be provided the
opportunity to seek indirect cost reimbursements based on negotiated indirect cost
reimbursement rates. Rates are determined and applied as follows.
Local Education Agencies
Local Education Agency (LEA) indirect cost rates are developed in accordance with a
delegation of authority agreement between ISBE and the U.S. Department of Education
(ED). The plan includes both a restricted and unrestricted rate for each individual LEA.
Both the restricted and unrestricted LEA rates are published annually on the ISBE Indirect
Cost Rate Plan webpage. In the past, only the restricted rate was allowed when budgeting
indirect cost reimbursements.
LEAs can seek indirect cost reimbursement at the published unrestricted rate for any
program other than those identified as restricted by ED.
23. Newly organized LEAs, Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers,
area vocational centers, charter schools, university laboratory schools, and
governmental entities formed by a joint agreement among LEAs utilize either the
statewide average of LEA unrestricted or restricted indirect rates as appropriate,
depending on program.
24. LEAs that jointly administer federal program(s) utilize either the approved
unrestricted or restricted indirect cost rates for the administrative district of the joint
program as appropriate, depending on program.

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Non-LEAs
Programs eligible for an unrestricted indirect cost rate; not-for-profit entities;
community-/faith-based organizations; and other non-LEA subgrantees utilize rates
negotiated through the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget centralized process
wherein which they will have the option to:
• Select the 15% de minimis rate.
• Submit documentation supporting a rate determined via negotiation with their
federal cognizant agency.
• Negotiate a rate.
Non-LEA, non-university grantees may initiate the unrestricted indirect cost rate
negotiation process via the GATA Grantee Portal.
• Federal programs requiring the use of a restricted indirect cost rate, not-for-
profit entities, community-/faith-based organizations, and other non-LEA
subgrantees shall utilize the 8% default rate described at 34 CFR 76.564.
• Colleges and universities will be limited to a maximum indirect cost rate of 8%
or other indirect cost rate calculated by their cognizant federal agency,
whichever is less, for state grants administered by ISBE.
Costs associated with Fiscal Support Services (2520), Internal Support Services (2570),
Staff Support Services (2640), Data Processing Services (2660), and Direction of Business
Support Services (2510) charged to the Educational Fund are properly budgeted as
indirect costs. Costs associated with Food Service (2560) are not allowable.
E. Application and Submission Information
Address to Request Application Package:
standards@isbe.net
Content and Form of Application Submission.
Each application must be submitted in the format outlined below to be considered
complete. A complete application will include all required components (the numbered
items below) and signatures when mentioned. Please use the checkboxes in front of the
numbers as a checklist when assembling your completed application. It is advised to
attach a copy of the completed checklist with the application.
☐ 1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Attachment 1): Include the name,
address, telephone, and fax numbers of the entity; email, name, and telephone number
of the contact person; Federal Employer Identification number; Unique Entity ID (UEI)
number; SAM Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code; and all other listed
information. The Application page must be signed by the official authorized to submit
proposals. First time applicants without an RCDT code must call or email the agency
contact to obtain an RCDT code before submitting an application.
2. Program Narrative (Attachment 2) maximum five pages: Program narratives should
☐
include responses to each section in the Review Criteria section on the next page in the
order they are presented from section one through five. For specific evaluative criteria in
each section, applicants are advised to review the evaluation rubric beginning on the next
page.
3. Objectives and Activities (Attachment 3) maximum five pages: Include all planned
☐
activities; a timeline for activities, including beginning and completion date; the person(s)
responsible; and the evaluation measures and components.
4. Proposal Evaluation Design (Attachment 4) maximum five pages: Use the form provided
☐

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to complete the cost effectiveness and sustainability components of the proposal to
provide details of how the tangible benefits of costs measure total effectiveness of
program and outline steps that will be employed to evaluate the program.
5. State Budget Summary and Payment Schedule (Attachment 5): The budget MUST be
☐
submitted on this form. No other budget form will be accepted. District budgets MUST
be signed by the district superintendent. Other applicants should have the authorized
official sign the form. The payment schedule should be based on the projected date of
expenditures. Salaries and fringe benefits should be requested in equal intervals on the
schedule. Supplies, equipment, contracted services, and professional development
should be requested in the month for which the expenditure is anticipated.
At a minimum, five percent of the grant funds awarded or $2,000, whichever is greater,
must be used by the grantee to defray the cost of training for teachers, counselors, and
principals that is aligned with or supportive of the other proposed uses of grant funds in
the grantee's proposal. Training costs may include stipends for teachers participating in
the training or professional learning and for substitute teachers. No more than 80% of
funds may be used to purchase materials and equipment.
6. Budget Summary Breakdown (Attachment 6): The Budget Summary Breakdown MUST
☐
include descriptions of the anticipated expenditures, correlated to the line items set forth
on the State Budget Summary and Payment Schedule. The Budget Summary Breakdown
should also include subcontract information, if applicable.
7. Joint Applicant MOU Requirements (Attachment 7 and 7a, if applicable).
☐
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and registration in the System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant is required to:
25. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application with a UEI assigned. To
establish a SAM registration, go to SAM.gov.
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an
application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. It
also must state that the State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through
or State award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable
SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements
by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a Federal pass-through or
State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not
qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to
another applicant.
Submission Dates and Times
Proposals should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on August 3, 2026. The proposal
may be emailed to standards@isbe.net. Late proposals will not be accepted.
All questions asked concerning this NOFO will be responded to in a Frequently Asked
Questions document so all respondents can see all questions and the responses to the
questions. Changes to the FAQ will not be made after July 27, 2026. Applicants are advised
to check the site before submitting a proposal.
Other Information

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Grant Award Notice: It is anticipated that successful applicants will receive a Notice of
Award via email approximately 90 days after the application deadline. The award letter is
NOT an authorization to begin performance or expenditures. After the merit-based appeal
timeframe has ended, awardees will receive additional information from the program area
that includes the next steps for finalizing the grant. Monies spent prior to programmatic
approval are done so at the applicant’s own risk.
Non-Award Notice: It is anticipated that unsuccessful applicants will receive a Notice of
Non-Award via email approximately 90 days after the application deadline. Unsuccessful
applicants are advised to refer to the ISBE Merit-Based Review Policy.
Technical Assistance Session: A technical assistance session will be recorded and
posted to the Standards and Courses website. Attendance is not required.
Changes to NOFO: ISBE will post any changes made to the NOFO prior to July 27, 2026
on the ISBE Funding Opportunities webpage. Applicants are advised to check the site
before submitting a proposal.
F. Application Review Information Criteria
Criteria:
Selection Criteria and point values are as follows:
• Not Provided – 0 Points
Proposal requirements are absent.
o
• Very Limited – 1 Point
Proposal provides very few details to meet the project outcomes.
o
• Somewhat Limited – 2 Points
Proposal is unclear and lacks enough evidence to meet project outcomes.
o
• Moderate – 3 Points
Proposal provides moderate detail and conveys potential to meet project
o
outcomes.
• Strong – 4 Points
Proposal provides good detail and strong evidence to meet project outcomes.
o
• Very Strong – 5 Points
Proposal exceeds expectations and provides a solid plan to meet project
o
outcomes.
Review and Selection Process
The selection of the grantees will be based upon the overall quality of the application. The
attachment number in the parentheses following the criteria lists where evaluators will look
to determine if the criteria has been met. The points for each section as well as the individual
criterion also are included.
Section 1: Need – 20 points
Need is defined as the identification of stakeholders, facts, and evidence that demonstrate
the proposal supports the grant program purpose. (Use Attachment 2)
• The proposal describes the local need for development or enhancement of computer
science programs by describing specific local student population (including
demographics) and how the program will meet the needs/interests of all students,
including special populations (e.g., English learners, special education students, and
minority students) and gifted students. - 5 points
• The proposal outlines the applicant's staffing needs to implement the program,

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including a detailed explanation as to the need for additional staff to be hired or
contracted. - 5 points
• The proposal clearly outlines the professional learning needs of the educators who
will deliver computer science instruction and how those needs will be addressed. - 5
points
• The proposal clearly identifies resources needed to implement the program (e.g.,
facilities, equipment, supplies, software, technology, curriculum, resource guides,
text, or manuals). - 5 points
Section 2: Capacity – 25 points
Capacity is defined as the ability of an entity to execute the grant project according to the
project requirements. (Use Attachment 2)
• The proposal identifies the applicant’s capacity to meet all programmatic needs
identified in subsection (a). If the applicant does not currently have the internal
capacity to meet a specific need, the proposal must include a plan of how the applicant
will address the identified needs. If the applicant intends on using third-party
contracts, the proposal must include details on the contractors’ expertise,
qualifications, and capacity to deliver quality computer science educational
experiences that align with the grant objectives. - 5 points
• The proposal lists any intended partnerships and the roles of each partner, including
the expected impact of each partner on the success and sustainability of the program
and its aligned activities. - 5 points
• The proposal explains each school’s anticipated capacity needs in preparation to
implement program, such as teacher recruitment, salary, benefits, professional
learning, student and teacher supports, supplies, mentoring, or partnerships
necessary to implement the program. - 5 points
• The proposal identifies the applicant’s plan and process to recruit and select
instructional staff, including the number of staff and experience or training that will
be provided. - 5 points
• The proposal includes details of the strategies that the applicant will use to increase
the rate of participation by low-income students. - 5 points
Section 3: Quality – 20 points
Quality is defined as the totality of features and characteristics of a service, project, or
product that indicate its ability to satisfy the requirements of the grant program. (Use
Attachment 2 and 3)
• The proposal describes specific objectives or goals of the instructional plan, including
the name of any instructional programs, the number of courses expanded or newly
offered at each site, information on providers or instructors, the role of each partner
at each site, and the number of students expected to be enrolled. - 5 points
• The proposal contains evidence that demonstrates the knowledge, skill, and
experience of the educators or contracted entities that will deliver computer science
instruction, or the proposal cites a plan to prepare educators through quality
professional development. - 5 points
• The proposal provides evidence of the program’s alignment to the Illinois Computer
Science Learning Standards as specified in 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1. Appendix D. - 5 points
• The proposal clearly provides details of the timeline for delivery of services, including
progress reporting required as specified in Section 700.70; professional learning
activities; equipment or supply purchases; and new or enhanced course or program

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planning and implementation. - 5 points
Section 4: Sustainability - 15 points
Sustainability is defined as evidence provided in the form of additional funding and other
resource streams that will support the program after the grant funding concludes. (Use
Attachment 4)
• The proposed includes provisions for funding and other resources to sustain a long-
term computer science program that continues after the grant period ends, including
information on additional funding or other resource streams. - 5 points
• The proposal includes evidence of community or stakeholder involvement or
engagement to support and assist in sustaining the program. - 5 points
• The program includes a three- to five-year sustainability plan, including a three-year
budget summary and considerations that provide details on how the program will
continue after the grant period concludes, including funding for educator salaries,
supplies, software, technology, or maintenance. - 5 points
Section 5: Cost-Effectiveness (Budget), Impact, and Evaluation - 20 points
Cost Effectiveness (Budget), Impact, and Evaluation are defined as the overall impact and
evaluation in the use of grant funds (expenditures) toward resources aimed at
supporting and sustaining the program over time and alignment and impact of those
expenditures with the goals of the grant program. (Use Attachment 5 and 6)
• The proposal provides details on how each budgeted item supports proposed goals,
objectives, activities, and outcomes. - 5 points
• The proposal describes a process to measure and evaluate cost effectiveness and
impact and a process to drive budgetary decisions toward program improvement over
time. - 5 points
• The program plan includes a detailed budget with projected costs assigned to
appropriate function or object codes. - 5 points
• The proposal includes a process to measure and evaluate the impact the program has
on student achievement and the impact of each partnership on the success and
sustainability of the program and the alignment of activities. - 5 points
All Sections: Priority Points - 20 points
Priority points will be awarded to proposals that demonstrate meaningful efforts to recruit
and serve K–12 student populations who are underrepresented in the computer science
labor market. (All attachments)
• The proposal intends to serve a majority of learners or teachers with gender or
racial/ethnic identities who are underrepresented in the computer science labor
market. (See Section 2-3.199(d) of the School Code.) - 5 points
• The proposal intends to serve a school or district that does not currently offer any
computer science coursework, evidenced by providing a list of the computer science
coursework that is currently offered, and demonstrates the ability to accommodate
12.5 percent or less of the high school student body in the program for a given school
year. - 5 points
• The proposal intends to serve a school or district that does not currently offer
computer science coursework that is accessible and appropriate for students at each
grade level for Grades 9-12. - 5 points
• The proposal intends to serve a school or district that does not currently offer
advanced coursework opportunities (e.g., dual credit, honors, Advanced Placement,
or International Baccalaureate) for computer science. - 5 points

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Proposals that score under 60 points will not be funded.
Tiebreaker
In the event of a tie, the applicant with the higher amount of priority points will be given
priority.
Merit-Based Review
ISBE’s evaluation process is described in section II.C. of ISBE’s Merit-Based Review Policy.
Following the notification of grant awards, an applicant may request copies of reviewer
scores and comments by contacting the ISBE Standards and Instruction Department at
standards@isbe.net.
Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable
It is anticipated that successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award via email
approximately 90 days after the application deadline. The award letter is NOT an
authorization to begin performance or expenditures. After the merit-based appeal
timeframe has ended, awardees will receive additional information from the program
area that includes the next steps for finalizing the grant. Monies spent prior to
programmatic approval are done so at the applicant’s own risk.
G. Award Administration Information
State Award Notices
The Notice of State Award (NOSA) will specify the funding terms and specific conditions
resulting from the pre-award risk assessments and the merit-based review process. The
authorized representative of final awardee’s organization must accept the NOSA found
within the Compliance section of the eGMS companion grant application. The NOSA is not
an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
No subcontracts or subgrants are allowed without prior written approval of the State
Superintendent of Education. If subcontracts or subgrants are allowed, then all project
responsibilities are to be retained by the grantee to ensure compliance with the terms and
conditions of the grant. All subcontracts and subgrants must be documented and must
have the prior written approval of the State Superintendent of Education. Approval of
subcontracts and subgrants shall be subject to the same criteria as are applied to the
original proposal/application. The following information is required if any
subcontracts/subgrants are to be utilized:
26. Name(s) and address(es) of subcontractor(s)/subgrantee(s).
27. Need and purpose for each subcontract/subgrant.
28. Measurable and time specific services to be provided.
29. Associated costs (i.e., amounts to be paid under each subcontract/subgrant); and
30. Projected number of participants to be served.
31. The grantee may not assign, convey, or transfer its rights to the grant award without
the prior written consent of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
32. Grantees will be required to cooperate fully with ISBE to produce all reports for state
reporting. Data for these reports is to be provided as requested. Further, all
programs must cooperate with site visits by ISBE staff and cooperate with any
questions regarding data, reporting of programming, and the production of the final
report to ISBE.
33. Grant funds shall not be used to supplant other efforts currently funded with local,
state, or federal resources.

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Reporting
Periodic financial reporting should be completed at a minimum of quarterly via the IWAS
system. Reporting requirements are listed below.
The mid-year grant programmatic report as required for the Computer Science Equity Grant
program must include, at a minimum:
34. Disaggregated data on student enrollment by grade levels and demographics on a
template provided by ISBE.
35. A summary of progress toward accomplishing each program objective with
supporting data or data representations to include an assessment of program quality
and recommendations for improvement and sustainability.
36. A summary of program impact and recommendations based on data for future
programming and engagement of K-12 students in computer science education.
A form link will be distributed to submit your mid-year grant programmatic report as required
in the deliverables for the Computer Science Equity Grant program. Mid-year reports are due
by December 31.
An annual report must be submitted; it should include:
37. A summary of progress toward accomplishing each program objective with
supporting data or data representations to include an assessment of program quality
and recommendations for improvement and sustainability.
38. A summary of program impact and recommendations based on data for future
programming and engagement of K-12 students in computer science education.
39. Consideration of the importance of program sustainability and details of how
computer science learning will continue after the grant concludes.
40. Program review of effectiveness to include data points that measure the success of
programming and student growth in computer science learning.
Complete this report in the IWAS System Listing under the Surveys dropdown. Annual reports
are due no later than September 30.
Grant Periodic Reporting System (GPRS) Submission:
Submit the report for approval via the GPRS report section in IWAS.
Additional reporting may be required dependent on programmatic risk assessment.
H. State Awarding Agency Contact
Illinois State Board of Education
Standards and Instruction Department
Neha Thakkar
Standards@isbe.net
217-782-4322
Mandatory Attachments
NOFO FY 2027 COMPUTER SCIENCE EQUITY GRANT 4-14-2026 SECURED 1
41. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Attachment 1)
42. Program Narrative (Attachment 2)
43. Objectives and Activities (Attachment 3)
44. Program Evaluation Design (Attachment 4)
45. State Budget Summary and Payment Schedule (Attachment 5)
46. Budget Summary Narrative (Attachment 6)
47. Joint Applicant MOU Requirements (Attachment 7 and 7a, if applicable)