Iowa Department of Education offers $850K grants for high school computer science credential programs

The Iowa Department of Education has announced the launch of a new $850,000 grant program aimed at helping high school students earn industry-recognized computer science credentials. The Credentials to Computer Science Careers grant is available to both public and accredited nonpublic schools in the state. Its goal is to align computer science and career and technical education (CTE) programs with credentials that have recognized value in the job market.

“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 that employers value, often endorsed by national trade associations or organizations. By aligning coursework with these stackable credentials, students can gain relevant skills for jobs in technology fields. Stackable credentials allow students to build upon their achievements over time, making them more adaptable as they pursue advanced training or degrees.

Applicants for this funding must show how they will align existing computer science or CTE pathways with student attainment of an industry-recognized credential that meets current labor market needs. Any new computer science or IT-related credential not previously offered qualifies for support under this program.

Eligible expenses covered by the grant include student exam fees, instructional equipment and supplies, computers and software, internet connectivity costs, installation fees, instructor training related to new equipment purchases or curriculum enhancements, as well as associated travel costs.

Applications are now open through IowaGrants.gov and must be submitted by September 30 at 11:59 p.m.

This initiative is part of a broader statewide effort designed to expand access for students seeking valuable professional credentials before graduating from high school. Recent legislation requires the department to develop a seal for transcripts recognizing graduates who earn such credentials while still enrolled in high school. In previous years, similar grants were awarded across dozens of districts through related programs focused on career-aligned credentialing efforts.

Further details about the Credentials to Computer Science Careers grant can be found on the department’s Industry-Recognized Credentials webpage as well as its Computer Science Instruction webpage.

Funding for this opportunity comes from a portion of money allocated from a 2007 court-approved settlement related to an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp., which was designated specifically for expanding computer science education opportunities within Iowa schools.