Technology Grants

A Technology Project Supporting Success for Every Student by Making School Computers Available to Families After School Hours

Innovative after-school technology programs are supported through the Foundation funds. These grants provide the opportunity to open school computer labs in the evenings so students can do their homework, bring their parents to show them what they are doing, and orient parents to computers in the classroom. Grants are awarded only to MCPS school programs.

How to Apply for an Extended Hours Technology Grant

Download Application

Application Guidelines

Individual schools may apply to the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation, Inc., for funds to open computer labs and/or research and learning hubs to students and their parents/guardians one or more evenings a week. Providing after-hours family access to computer-based information and communication will leverage existing equipment, software, and Internet resources for both students and their families.

I. Purpose

To allow students to build on technology skills, research strategies, and curricular content they are learning in school
To provide opportunities for students to use computers for their school assignments and research projects with help from their parents
To increase parental involvement in student learning via technology access
To give parents the opportunity to obtain/improve technology skills by learning from their children

II. Criteria for School Participation

A minimum of 10 computers, at least five of which have Internet access, to allow at least 10 families to participate
Printer capability
A proposed plan that identifies goals and provides for managing the project and achieving its Goals

III. Application Process

The principal of each school wanting to participate should submit a written proposal to the MCPS Educational Foundation. The proposal, on the attached application form, should include:

School goals for the project
School staff—and any community volunteers – identified to implement the project
Plan for inviting families, determining participation, and managing evening hours
A timeline that includes dates and hours of family participation for the year
A budget with a list of specific costs
Means of evaluating success in reaching the project goals, including a brief written description for the Educational Foundation at the project’s end

Note: Funds can be used to pay a staff member at $25.00 an hour (budget $27.00 an hour to include employee benefits) to work with students and families and provide help as needed and to pay for miscellaneous costs such as postage for invitations, instructional materials for parents to take home, printed bilingual materials, or paper for certificates of participation. Funds cannot be used for equipment or software.

The application should be submitted to:

MCPS Educational Foundation
c/o the Office of the Chief Operating Officer
Room 149
Carver Educational Services Center (CESC)

Who can apply?

Extended Hours Technology Grants are awarded to MCPS schools and staff.

How do I apply?

An application form must be completed and signed by the school principal. Grant applications and guidelines are sent to schools and in the future will be available on this web site. The application and guidelines provide clear instructions about the process and the due dates of the completed applications.

When can I apply?

The availability of Extended Hours Technology Grants is announced in The Bulletin at the beginning of the school year.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline for FY 2009 Extended Hours Technology Grants is September 17, 2009.

Case Study: Parent Technology Outreach Program Grant

Weller Road Elementary School
2006-07 Extended Hours Technology Grant

The program was designed to give parents of Weller Road students a chance to learn basic computer skills that would be needed for everyday use. Many of the parents came to the class with very little computer experience or none at all. Each of the “students” had a chance to work at their ability level to learn programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. The students also learned to use the Internet. Learning how to search for information on the Internet will provide the student with the tools needed to help their children with schoolwork.

There were two sessions to this course. In the first session while students were taught to use the Internet and E-mail. Child care and a Spanish speaking translator were available to the parents which made the class much more available to the parents at each session. The class sizes ranged from 8-15 parents per class.

Case Study: Golden Hawks Evening Technology Courses

Roberto Clemente Middle School
2004-2005 Extended Hours Technology Grant

Many students, parents and community members do not have the ability to access current technology or use available technology due to a lack of technological literacy and financial difficulties.

The goal of this program is to provide knowledgeable, willing instructors with experience teaching students and adults in areas such as Basic Computer Literacy, Microsoft Office for the Not so Expert, Basic Web Page Design, Basic On-Line Research Skills, E-Learning 101, Evening Research and Learning Hub, Creating Electronic Portfolios, Teaching & Learning Math Using Technology and more!