Sparks Grants

Sparks Grants is sponsored by Nextech. The Nextech Spark Grant Program supports Indiana educators through seed funding to kick-start innovative classroom projects in computer science and artificial intelligence.

Every big idea starts with a spark. The Nextech Spark Grant Program supports Indiana educators through seed funding to kick-start an innovative classroom project, of their choice, that advances student learning in computer science and artificial intelligence. Through this opportunity, selected projects will receive a lump-sum award to bring a standards-aligned CS or AI project to life.

Spark Grants are intended to: Kick-start a project using CS or AI in the K–12 classroom by providing necessary supplies or technology Strengthen computational thinking across disciplines Increase student engagement in real-world, technology-driven problem solving Promote access and broaden participation in CS pathways There are two levels of grants – the Ignite Grant and the Activate Grant .

Apply for a Spark Grant by September 20, 2026. Winners will be notified by October 30. Award Amount: $500 – $1,500 Purpose: Launch a new CS or AI lesson, mini-unit, or pilot classroom experience.

First-time CS or AI implementation Expanding a single lesson into a short project-based experience Integrating an AI experience into existing classroom Purchasing small-scale materials (robotics items, micro:bits, software licenses, etc.) Project Scope Expectations: Impacts at least one classroom section 2–6 weeks of implementation Submission of one classroom-ready instructional artifact in grant report and short post-implementation reflection Estimated number of students impacted Best Fit: Teachers beginning their CS/AI journey or piloting a new concept.

Award Amount: $1,500 – $5,000 Purpose: Implement a full unit, cross-curricular integration, or expanded CS/AI initiative.

Semester-long CS or AI units Interdisciplinary AI integration (e.g., CS + science, CS + business) Data science or machine learning explorations Classroom sets of technology tools Developing new CS or AI opportunities within a school Teachers working collaboratively across multiple grade levels or classrooms Project Scope Expectations: Impacts multiple classroom sections or grade levels Submission of detailed instructional artifact (unit plan, project guide, assessments) Clear alignment to Indiana CS standards and IDOE competencies Defined student outcome measures Estimated number of students impacted Best Fit: Teachers that know what they want and need to do to expand the footprint of CS, AI, or Data Science education in their classroom or school and need activation funding Applications are due September 20, 2026 and recipients will be notified by October 30, 2026.