The Department of Public Instruction is developing the process for schools to apply for the new computer grants created by the 2017-19 state budget for all schools to receive up to $125 per ninth grade student for computing devices.
The DPI reports that every private school with 9th graders will receive an e-mail in December with access to an online application to apply. Schools will have until mid-February to complete the on-line application.
WCRIS urges private schools to apply for this grant. State law mandates that all private schools with ninth grade be included. Funding for the program was based on 9th grade student enrollment in the 2016-17 school year so there should be sufficient funds for schools to receive $125 for every ninth grader.
But schools will not receive the Personal Computing Device Grant unless an application is submitted, noted WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling.
The DPI says the application will be fairly simple, with only four categories to complete since the schools’ contact information will already be automatically loaded into the online application that DPI will be sending to schools.
Private schools will have to indicate whether they have provided a $125 per student “match” to receive the funds. The match will be fairly simple to make because any school expenditures for technology can be identified to meet the match, according to the DPI.
For information about the grants, see the DPI program website here. The informational powerpoint at the top of the page provides detailed information about what computer equipment is eligible for funding, how to meet the match, etc. There is also an FAQ on the website.
Mark your calendars to watch for the DPI e-mail application in December. It will be sent to the head of the school. If you don’t receive an e-mail by Dec. 21, contact Bill Herman at the DPI at (608) 267-2346.
