Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund
This Request for Proposal (RFP) process seeks to identify fundable programs and services aligned with the purpose of the Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund at the Community Foundation of Utah (CFU).
Purpose and Background
Fund Purpose and Background
Access to computer science education is critical for the youth of today to access the opportunities of tomorrow. Established in 2019, this innovative philanthropic initiative was created to help ensure every child in Utah has the opportunity to learn the critical computer science skills needed to unlock their full potential. Under CFU’s stewardship, the Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund seeks to produce quantifiable, lasting K-12 computer science education outcomes in Utah for both educators and learners, so that every child can thrive in the years ahead.
Specifically, the Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund will support replicable models addressing unmet needs not supported through state or federal dedicated funds. Supported models must have outcomes to increase diversity and inclusion in K-12 computer science education and future learning to earning transitions. It may also support efforts to develop and implement impact assessments and reporting to determine the effectiveness of its efforts and inform future decision-making.
While there remains a serious gap in computer science learning opportunities in Utah schools, over the past several years significant progress has been made through the persistence, vision, and actions of industry leaders, elected officials, educators, academics, and nonprofits.
The Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund now seeks to identify grant opportunities to accelerate this progress and ensure K-12 students of all backgrounds across our state have access to the concepts and skills crucial to success in the 21st-century workforce.
Proposal Requirements
Proposal Requirements
CFU will consider proposals for grant funding from organizations and projects meeting the following criteria:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in good standing with the IRS, serving Utah K-12 students or educators
- Organizations with expertise at the nexus of K-12 education, diverse student populations, and computer science pedagogy
- Projects whose outcomes increase diversity and inclusion in K-12 computer science education and future learning to earning transitions, or data collection and analysis informing future efforts in K-12 computer science education in Utah
- Projects that augment and amplify, not duplicate or substitute for, public sector commitments and responsibilities
Priority Considerations
Priority Considerations
Priority consideration will be given to proposals exhibiting the following characteristics:
- Projects with the potential for replication throughout Utah
- Projects able to scale and reach significant numbers of students and/or teachers over time
- Projects engaging traditionally underserved or underrepresented communities
- Projects built from evidence-based approaches, while incorporating values of innovation and experimentation
- Projects demonstrating the potential for long-term financial sustainability
- Highly collaborative projects capitalizing upon the specialties of multiple organizations and coordinating with local education agencies