The Utah STEM Action Center Computing Partnerships Grant Program provides funding to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and individual schools in Utah to support computing activities from pre-kindergarten through post-secondary education (PreK-16). These activities must align with student engagement strategies and promote the integration of coding into problem-solving and cross-disciplinary learning. The program is designed to support the development of new, innovative computing initiatives or the expansion of existing programs. An additional emphasis is placed on activities that increase access for all students, particularly those outside traditional classroom settings. Preference points are given to applicants who integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into maker learning environments. Funding for this grant is contingent on continued support from the Utah State Legislature through Senate Bill 190, originally passed in 2017.

The program aligns with Utah’s Computer Science Education Master Plan and is separate from Utah State Board of Education (USBE) grant programs, though applicants are encouraged to coordinate their STEM Action Center (STEM AC) funding with USBE four-year planning grants. Applicants must align their proposals with at least two key activities, including pre-K enrichment, makerspaces, out-of-classroom experiences, summer camps, near-peer mentorships, work-based learning, external partnerships, and increasing access and engagement for all students. While some activities may occur during classroom instruction, the primary focus must be on out-of-school learning opportunities.

Public PreK-12 districts, schools, and consortium applicants are eligible to apply. Previous grant awardees from earlier rounds of the Computing Partnerships Grant Program are also eligible. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners, higher education institutions (universities, community colleges, and applied technical colleges), community and cultural organizations, and other LEAs. All applicants must comply with institutional procurement policies when allocating funds through subcontracts. Assistance is available from STEM AC for applicants seeking partnerships.

Grant applicants may request funding for a period of one to three years. The maximum funding available per year is $50,000 for individual applicants and $150,000 for school and district consortiums, which must include two or more LEAs or schools. Funds will be distributed in two installments: an initial payment of 75% upon receipt of the signed Grant Agreement, budget, and invoice, and the remaining 25% upon evidence of expenditures and completion of reporting requirements. All grant activities must be completed by June 30 of the specified fiscal year, and final invoices must be submitted no later than June 16. Unused funds must be refunded to the grantor. Grant funds are state funds and are not subject to federal regulations.

The application process opens on February 1, 2025, with a webinar scheduled for February 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM to provide guidance on proposal design and submission. Completed applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM through the designated online submission system. The review and evaluation process will take place from April 7-18, 2025, with award notifications issued between April 24-28, 2025. Awardees will refine their objectives and metrics with the Utah Education Policy Center and STEM AC from April 28 to May 30, 2025. The first contract year will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with required reports due in January, May, and September. The second and third contract years follow the same structure, with required reports in January, May, and September for year two and January and May for year three.

Allowable expenses include the development of out-of-classroom activities such as summer camps, before/after school programs, and makerspaces; integration of STEM skills into computing activities; industry engagement efforts; recruitment initiatives; faculty compensation in accordance with district policies; purchasing educational supplies, equipment, and technology; and infrastructure improvements (limited to 25% of the total budget unless pre-approved). Grant recipients must participate in data collection and reporting efforts, including submission of fiscal and program outcomes. The STEM AC and Utah Education Policy Center will oversee contract monitoring, ensuring that programs meet intended goals and financial expenditures comply with regulations.

For questions or further clarification on this grant program, applicants may contact the STEM AC Coordinator, Lynn Reichert, at lreichert@utah.gov.
Eligible applicants include public PreK-12 districts and schools, as well as consortium applicants, with previous grant awardees also eligible to apply. The program encourages partnerships with industry, higher education institutions, and community organizations. Applicants can request funding for one to three years, with the grant period starting on July 1, 2025. The maximum funding available is $50,000 per year for individual applicants and $150,000 for school and district consortiums. The funds are distributed in two installments per contract year, with specific reporting requirements to ensure accountability.

The grant application process opens on February 1, 2025, with a webinar scheduled for February 13, 2025, to provide guidance on proposal design and submission. Completed applications are due by March 31, 2025, and will be reviewed between April 7-18, 2025. Award notifications will be made between April 24-28, 2025, and successful applicants must finalize grant agreements by June 30, 2025. The program requires periodic reporting, with deadlines set in January, May, and September each year.

Applicants must align their projects with at least two key activities identified by the STEM Action Center, such as Pre-K enrichment, maker learning, out-of-classroom experiences, summer camps, near-peer mentorships, work-based learning, and external partnerships. The program also supports professional development and encourages the integration of computing activities with classroom standards and curriculum. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed activities will create new computing opportunities or enhance existing programs.

The application process involves completing an online form divided into sections that address various aspects of the proposal, including industry engagement and alignment with key activities. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners to address skill requirements for technology occupations. The STEM Action Center provides support to applicants in establishing partnerships and designing effective computing activities.

For questions regarding the application, applicants can contact Lynn Reichert at lreichert@utah.gov. The program aims to foster statewide collaboration and innovation in computing education, with the ultimate goal of increasing access and engagement for all students in computing and computational thinking.