The Iowa Department of Education has announced $850,000 in competitive grants to help school districts and accredited nonpublic schools expand computer science programs and align them with industry-recognized credentials.
The new Credentials to Computer Science Careers grant is designed to support high school students in earning technology certifications with strong labor market value. Eligible programs include computer science courses as well as career and technical education (CTE) tracks in information technology and business management.
“Computer science impacts every industry in our ever-changing world, and computer and information technology careers are expected to grow at a faster rate with median annual income more than double that of all other occupations,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “This first-of-its-kind grant program will empower high schoolers with opportunities to attain computer science industry-recognized credentials. We are excited to partner with Iowa’s innovative educators to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the workforce of today and tomorrow.”
Industry-recognized credentials are certifications or licenses vetted by employers and endorsed by nationally recognized industry groups. By earning these stackable, portable credentials, students can build valuable skills, work toward higher-level certifications or degrees, and close the skills gap between workforce needs and student readiness.
Funding can be used for:
- Student exam fees
- Instructional equipment and non-consumable supplies
- Computer hardware, software, and internet installation
- Instructor training related to offering the credential
- Curriculum enhancements and associated travel costs
Applicants must demonstrate a sustainable plan to align at least one existing computer science or CTE pathway with a new credential opportunity that has not previously been available to students.
Applications are now open through IowaGrants.gov and must be submitted by Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
This program is part of a broader statewide effort to increase high school students’ access to industry-recognized credentials. The Department will also create a special seal for high school transcripts to recognize graduates who earn such credentials. Funding comes from a portion of a 2007 Microsoft antitrust settlement designated for expanding computer science education in Iowa.
More details are available on the Iowa Department of Education’s Industry-Recognized Credentials and Computer Science Instruction webpages.
