2015-2016 Verizon PLTW School Grant Competition Project Lead The Way, Inc. Development Office 3939 Priority Way South Dr, Suite 400 Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 Phone: 1.877.335.PLTW (7589) Email: Verizon@pltw.org Website: www.pltw.org
Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 Important Dates... 3 Eligibility Requirements... 3 Grant Requirements... 3 Funding Levels... 3 Use of Funds... 4 Allowable Expenses... 4 Unallowable Expenses... 5 Reporting Requirements... 5 Contact Information... 5 Submission Instructions... 6 2
2015-2016 Verizon-PLTW Introduction to Computer Science Middle School Grant Competition In partnership with Verizon, PLTW is able to offer the opportunity to bring Computer Science education to eligible middle schools with a $20,000 grant to support the implementation of the PLTW Gateway Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) units. These grants, disbursed to each school over a two-year period, will assist in offsetting startup costs associated with implementing the units. The number of grant awards available as well as ICS teacher training seats offered in July-August 2015 are limited, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Important Dates Application opens: May 6, 2015 Application closes: Until all grants are awarded for the 2015-2016 school year Award notifications: On a rolling basis as applications are received Eligibility Requirements Please read and ensure all of the eligibility requirements are met prior to applying. This is a competitive application process and applicants are not guaranteed funding. Must be a middle school located within the United States. Must have a Free and Reduced Lunch student population of 70% or greater. Grant Requirements Schools awarded a grant will be required to commit to the following: School(s) must implement both of the following nine-week units at any point during the 2015-2016 school year: o Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) 1 o Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) 2 ICS units must be offered to sixth, seventh, and/or eighth grade students. Two or more teachers must be trained in ICS within the two years of the grant. (PLTW Professional Development offerings can be found at: http://bit.ly/1gtnipy) ICS students must be rostered via mypltw. ICS teachers and students must participate in PLTW-administered pre and post surveys. School(s) must be willing to participate in branding efforts within the school, district, and local community to promote this award. (i.e. banners, press releases, media events) School(s) must be willing to share ICS teacher and student stories and testimonials. School(s) must be willing to allow visits from PLTW and Verizon Foundation staff. Funding Levels PLTW Gateway Introduction to Computer Science implementation grants are $20,000 distributed over two years. The two installments are as follows: Year 1: $17,000 Year 2: $3,000 3
Use of Funds Allowable Expenses The following items are required for implementation and are allowable grant expenses: PLTW Participation Fee ICS Core Training Expenses o Tuition, lodging, travel/mileage, any meals not provided by training site Wireless Connectivity 1 router per ICS classroom Android Tablets minimum 1 per every 2 students and 1 per teacher Desktop or Laptop Computers 1 per student and 1 per teacher The following items are optional for implementation, but are allowable grant expenses: Tablet Protective Cases Tablet Storage/Charging Cart Laptop Storage/Charging Cart Note: The computer specifications outlined for ICS are not sufficient for use in any other PLTW Gateway units. Hardware purchasing decisions should be made in consultation with the school/district IT department. 4
Unallowable Expenses Funds may not be used for: Salaries, Stipends, or Benefits Infrastructure or Renovations Indirect Costs Any other expenses unspecified as allowable Reporting Requirements PLTW requests schools receiving support through the School Grant Program must submit brief reports which outline the use of funds and budget plans, descriptions of program successes, and course implementation data. These report templates are provided by PLTW and are due annually through the duration of the grant period. Additionally, teachers and students participating in the ICS units will participate in PLTWadministered pre and post surveys through the duration of the grant period. Contact Information If questions arise throughout this process, please contact Verizon@pltw.org. 5
Submission Instructions All applications must be submitted online through the PLTW grant application system: http://grants.pltw.org/. Applications must be received on or before the closing date. No late submissions will be accepted. 1. Login to http://grants.pltw.org/. a. Note: New users must first create their login credentials by clicking on the New Registration link at the bottom of the login page. 2. Click on the Forms tab on the left-hand navigation bar. Under the Forms Tab: a. Review the supplemental documents within the section of the PLTW program your school will be applying. i. Application Instructions and Tips Provides high level instructions and grant writing tips. ii. Verizon Budget Summary Financial template to compile all costs. iii. Verizon Grant School List Districts applying on behalf of multiple schools will need to complete the spreadsheet and attach to the application. b. Complete the following items. i. Verizon PLTW Grant School Application If you are a school, complete the online application named Verizon PLTW Grant School Application. The application is located under the Applications section. OR ii. Verizon PLTW Grant District Application If you are a district applying for a grant on behalf of multiple schools, complete the online application named Verizon PLTW Grant District Application. The application is located under the Applications section. 1. Note: Online applications can be saved and returned to at a later point. 2. Submit your application by clicking Submit on the final page of the online application. 3. You should receive an email confirming receipt of your submission. 4. To edit your application after it has already been submitted to PLTW, click on the application link. The system will give you a message indicating the application has already been submitted; however, you will be able to edit by clicking on the icon of the paper and pencil. Make sure to resubmit after making the necessary edits. iii. Verizon Budget Summary (ALL APPLICANTS) Provides a single-page standard template that compiles all program costs. You will be asked to upload this document as part of your application. iv. Verizon Grant School List (DISTRICT APPLICANTS) Provides school data information on schools. Districts applying on behalf of multiple schools should complete this document. You will be asked to upload this document as part of your application. 6