The Computer Science Education Grant (FP777) and the AP Computer Science Initiative Grant (FP656) awarded by OSPI for K-12 Computer Science Education are specified in SB 5187 (2023-24) Making 2023-2025 fiscal biennium operating appropriations. The following cite the relevant passages:
Page 523: Computer Science Education Grant (FP777)
(i) $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2024 and $1,000,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2025 are provided solely for the computer science and education grant program to support the following three purposes: Train and credential teachers in computer sciences; provide and upgrade technology needed to learn computer science; and, for computer science frontiers grants to introduce students to and engage them in computer science. The office of the superintendent of public instruction must use the computer science learning standards adopted pursuant to chapter 3, Laws of 2015 (computer science) in implementing the grant, to the extent possible. Additionally, grants provided for the purpose of introducing students to computer science are intended to support innovative ways to introduce and engage students from historically underrepresented groups, including girls, low-income students, and minority students, to computer science and to inspire them to enter computer science careers. The office of the superintendent of public instruction may award up to $500,000 each year, without a matching requirement, to districts with greater than fifty percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. All other awards must be equally matched by private sources for the program, including gifts, grants, or endowments
Page 524: AP Computer Science Initiative Grant (FP656)
(k) $62,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2024 and $62,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2025 are provided solely for competitive grants to school districts to increase the capacity of high schools to offer AP computer science courses. In making grant allocations, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must give priority to schools and districts in rural areas, with substantial enrollment of low-income students, and that do not offer AP computer science. School districts may apply to receive either or both of the following grants:
(i) A grant to establish partnerships to support computer science professionals from private industry serving on a voluntary basis as coinstructors along with a certificated teacher, including via synchronous video, for AP computer science courses; or
(ii) A grant to purchase or upgrade technology and curriculum needed for AP computer science, as well as provide opportunities for professional development for classroom teachers to have the requisite knowledge and skills to teach AP computer science
Page 532: Support for CS in Long-Term Juvenile Institutions
SB 5187 contained new funding for CS Education in Long-Term Juvenile Institutions on page 532:
(j) $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2024 and $200,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2025 are provided solely for grants to school districts and educational service districts operating institutional education programs for youth in state long-term juvenile institutions to provide access to computer science elective courses created in chapter 234, Laws of 2022 (computer science instruction).
