These are competitive, discretionary grants and must be used in needy districts and schools. Applications became available in late January 2000. Provides funds to states, which award 95 percent as subgrants to districts to help carry out state and local education technology plans. 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 necessary needs identified in their technology plans.
Awards range from several thousand to several million dollars in size.
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. Enables middle schools to hire alcohol, drug and violence prevention coordinators. The role of the coordinators is to identify the most promising strategies and programs for preventing alcohol and drug use, to create a safe environment for learning and to work with school officials to implement those strategies and programs. Applications will be available February 7, 2000.