Funding, Grants & Awards

Digital Wish Offers 1-to-1 Program Support Grants

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 07/17/15

A nonprofit that helps teachers come up with funding for technology purchases wants to help schools with their 1-to-1 planning. Digital Wish is taking applications through the summer from elementary and middle schools to provide technical support grants to get their device programs off the ground. The grants are available to public, charter and non-profit independent schools.

Digital Wish said it has worked with 28 schools to help implement their 1-to-1 programs. Recipients of the latest grants will work with the organization's advisors to develop a technology plan, assess equipment needs and map out budgeting and finance options for their schools. The result will be a 1-to-1 implementation plan that includes IT curriculum and training, financing options and guidance for sustaining the program.

The grant is estimated to have a $4,500 value and includes:

• 10 hours of technical support for planning;
• A video conference with one a 1-to-1 trainer;
• A sustainability action plan tool;
• Access to grant searching on GrantStation;
• An IT curriculum package for grades 3-6; and
• Curriculum on digital citizenship for middle schools.

"Our aim is to help schools get started with developing a one-to-one computing program, including the use of a learning management system and electronic student portfolios," said Executive Director Heather Chirtea. "Ideally, we're looking to help create pilot programs that school leaders can use to evaluate the effectiveness of having a mobile computer for each student."

Grants are being given on a rolling basis, the organization stated on its Web site. Learn more at digitalwish.com.