Although external funding is not mandatory for implementing a program such as this, financial support in the form of state grants and foundations are helpful. Time limitations and technological access can also be problematic in such an endeavor. Commitment of university faculty and school district personnel to support preservice and inservice professional development activities is needed. The Houston Consortium of Urban Professional Development and Technology Centers was awarded the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award by the Association of Teacher Educators in 1996. The institutions involved have committed themselves to continue without external funding.
Universities draw upon tuition and their regular state or private funding to support the program.