Opportunity Calling... California Schools Can Begin Applying for Roughly $500 Million in Education Technology Vouchers Beginning September 16, 2006 |
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As part of the settlement between California consumers and Microsoft Corporation, California schools can begin applying for grants with funds issued in the form of vouchers that can be used to purchase hardware and software. Hardware purchases can include computers, peripherals, networking and infrastructure equipment, non-custom assistive technology devices, and equipment for accessing the Internet through televisions. Software purchases can include non-custom software, including operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, Web-authoring, productivity, encyclopedia, and server software. Grant funds can also be used to purchase IT support services and professional development focused on the use of education technology to improve learning and instruction and to train educators in the use of equipment and software purchased as part of the grant. Schools can purchase equipment and software sold by any vendor, with no required platform or operating system.
While the total dollar amount available through this unique grant program has not been released, California officials expect the amounts to be substantial. Industry estimates place the amount at $400-$600 million. California districts with state-approved technology plans can apply for the funds on behalf of their eligible schools, which are defined as all public kindergarten through Grade 12 schools, county offices of education, direct-funded charter schools, and State Special Schools in which 40% of the students are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. "Eligible schools" also include all public high schools in California that serve students from public elementary, middle, and junior high schools at which at least 40% of the attending students are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.
Additional grant details are available from the School Funding Services (SFS) database, along with in-depth information about hundreds of federal, state, and private education grants. Brought to you by MDR and RedRock Reports, SFS subscriptions are available in Standard, Pro, and Enterprise editions and provide subscribers with a variety of services, including grant alerts and consulting services, access to the SFS database, and a monthly newsletter. For complete information, contact your MDR Representative or visit www.schooldata.com/mdrsch_funding.asp for a complimentary 10-day trial subscription. |
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