Technology Funding Alert!

Download the November issue in PDF format.

A key step for many districts in applying for funds to support educational technology is the development of a district technology plan. CTAP works hand-in-hand with districts to support the development of these plans, which then can be approved at the state level, to enable districts to receive technology funding from the state. In addition, plans submitted for approval prior to December 7, 2007. This year, we anticipate a few districts will submit plans in early October, while most will be submitted in the cycle that ends December 7, 2007. Districts that do not need an approved plan for E-rate purposes can submit their plans up until April 4, 2008. All the details and the criteria for the technology plan may be found at the CDE website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/ft/eettformula.asp and at the CTAP Region 10 website: http://ctap10.org/planfund.

This year, funds continue to be available to districts, applying on behalf of their qualifying schools (in which at least 40% of attending students were eligible for free and reduced price meals in FY 2005-06), through the K-12 Voucher Program. State-approved technology plans are required for districts to apply for these vouchers, which resulted from a lawsuit between California consumers and Microsoft Corporation. These vouchers enable qualifying schools to purchase hardware, software, professional development, and technical support. Last year, more than $400 million became available to districts through the K-12 Voucher Program. It is anticipated that even more is available, and districts will have an opportunity to apply for additional funds in the next round. Further information and the Voucher Program RFA are available at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/st/etv.asp

For further information about grants and a listing of CTAP staff to contact, visit the Region 10 Web page at http://ctap10.org/ or phone us at (909) 386-2686. We look forward to supporting your success in grant acquisition this year!