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We just funded about a dozen CS ed projects through @RuralTechFund today that'll reach ~2500 students. I thought I'd share some unconventional choices we make when we fund projects. 1/
First, we don't fund a project if it is only for "Gifted and Talented" kids. The greatest misnomer in CS ed is that you have to be a genius to pursue the field. We gotta fix that. 2/
Second, when possible we steer teachers away from single classroom access and more towards whole school access via library maker spaces or mobile carts. 3/
Third, we don't donate tech for tech's sake. It has to be focused on CS specific ed, which includes coding, engineering, infosec, etc. We're not just throwing computers at problems. CS is no more about a computer than astronomy is about a telescope. 4/
I highlight these three things because they are all about accessibility. The worst thing that can happen is for a kid to be excluded from an opportunity for lame, artificial reasons. It's as much about unlocking potential rather than just recognizing. 5/
I personally review *every* project application. Some involve a lot of back and forth to really nail down the purpose to make sure the money will be used effectively. But, this turns access for 20 into access for 200. 6/
However, with some project applications I spend <2 minutes reviewing them. It's clear when a teacher "gets it". I want to enable these educators and get out of the way. There are many "right" ways to do this. 7/
Our grant application is short, too. Basically..
1. Tell me about your school
2. Tell me about your idea (or give me broad strokes and I'll help you with it)
Done. Agree to give us updates on how it's going and we'll send you money. We don't waste your time with red tape. 8/
1. Tell me about your school
2. Tell me about your idea (or give me broad strokes and I'll help you with it)
Done. Agree to give us updates on how it's going and we'll send you money. We don't waste your time with red tape. 8/
If you know an educator who might benefit from what we do, you can point them to our application here: ruraltechfund.org/fundmyproject/
If you want to help us enable CS ed for more educators, consider donating here: ruraltechfund.org/donate/
or here: patreon.com/rtf
9/
If you want to help us enable CS ed for more educators, consider donating here: ruraltechfund.org/donate/
or here: patreon.com/rtf
9/
PS - As of today we've provided CS education resources to over 80,000 kids in 45 states. We're gonna hit 100K by the end of the year and that number is beyond my comprehension considering how humbly this all started. 10/10
