TLCF provides funds to states, which award 95 percent as sub-grants to districts to help carry out state and local education technology plans, and to help bridge the digital divide in our nation's public schools. Districts with the highest poverty and greatest need for technology receive priority. States and districts have substantial discretion over the use of funds to meet the needs identified in their technology plans.
Awards range from several thousand to several million dollars.
Many have focused substantial effort on professional development. States and districts are encouraged to coordinate the use of Technology Literacy Challenge Fund grants with other funding sources. As a result of the TLCF, data show that at-risk students targeted to receive technology have made significant gains in reading. Partnerships with the Chicago Historical Society, National Louis University, and Northeastern Illinois University provided outstanding staff development opportunities for teachers and learning opportunities for students. Northeastern Illinois University provided tutors for at-risk students in engaged learning classes.