Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund Application Process Now Open

The Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund application process is now open through Nov. 9 for districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives. Funding is aimed at building the computer science teacher workforce by offering high-quality professional development to prepare Iowa teachers to teach computer science, engaging teachers who are new to computer science and encouraging innovation.

The incentive fund was created through 2017 legislation that encourages computer science in every school in Iowa, and is funded through a state appropriation as well as with dollars from a 2007 settlement of an Iowa class-action lawsuit filed against Microsoft Corp.

Applications for funding must demonstrate how schools will prepare K-12 educators to teach computer science and expand high-quality computer science instruction based on Iowa’s computer science standards adopted by the State Board of Education. The goal is for students to have a strong computer science foundation in elementary school, and then build upon it as they move through middle and high school.

For questions about the incentive fund, contact Wren Hoffman at wren.hoffman@iowa.gov or (515) 981-3306.

Read more about the Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund