Grants to states, local educational agencies, and eligible tribal schools

(a) Grants to states, local educational agencies, and eligible tribal schools (1) In general The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to serve as models for national replication of computer science education expansion efforts. (2) Consortia and partnerships An eligible entity may apply for a grant under this section as part of a consortium or in partnership with a State educational agency or other partner. (3) Duration Grants awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 5 years. (b) Application requirements An eligible entity that desires a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum, plans for the following: (1) Every high school student served by eligible entity to have access to computer science education not later than 5 years after receipt of grant funds. (2) All students served by the eligible entity to have access to a progression of computer science education from prekindergarten through middle school that prepares students for high school computer science education. (3) Expansion of overall access to rigorous STEAM classes, utilizing computer science as a catalyst for increased interest in STEAM more broadly, and reducing the enrollment and academic achievement gap for underrepresented groups such as minorities, girls, and youth from families living at, or below, the poverty line. (4) Continuous monitoring and evaluation of project activities. (5) Effectively sustaining project activities after the grant period ends, and the length of time which the applicant plans to sustain the project activities. (6) Preparing the students for application of computer science knowledge in rapidly evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence. (c) Use of grant funds (1) Required activities An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for each of the following activities: (A) Training teachers of elementary school and secondary school to teach computer science. (B) Expanding access to high-quality learning materials and online learning options. (C) Creating plans for expanding overall access to rigorous STEAM classes, utilizing computer science as a catalyst for increased interest in STEAM more broadly, and reducing course equity gaps for all students, including underrepresented groups such as minorities, girls, and youth from low-income families. (D) Ensuring additional support and resources, which may include mentoring for students traditionally underrepresented in STEAM fields. (2) Permissible activities An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds for the following activities: (A) Building effective regional collaborations with industry, nonprofit organizations, 2-year and 4-year degree granting institutions of higher education (including community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, American Indian Tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Native American-serving, Nontribal institutions, and other minority-serving institutions), and out-of-school providers. (B) Recruiting and hiring instructional personnel as needed, including curriculum specialists. (C) Preparations for effectively sustaining project activities after the grant period ends. (D) Disseminating information about effective practices. (E) Including the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom to expand students’ access to a rapidly evolving technology. (3) Limitation Not more than 15 percent of a grant awarded under this Act may be used to purchase equipment. (d) National activities Of the amount appropriated under subsection (e) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may reserve not more than 2.5 percent of funds available for grants under this section for national activities, including technical assistance, evaluation, and dissemination. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section a total of $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and the succeeding 4 fiscal years.