Nearly $34 M in federal education technology dollars are available in this ARRA EETT competitive grant application, posted October 23, 2010.  The CDE received legislative budget authority in October 2010 to release the ARRA EETT competitive funds. LEAs will have a short time frame to spend or obligate the funds as they are available only through September 30, 2011. Eligible districts and charter schools have three weeks to write their application for this one-time technology education funding. Applications are due November 12, 2010 at 5 PM.

The primary goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Enhancing Education Through Technology Competitive (EETT C) grant program (2009 -2011) is for "acquiring, maintaining, and using data to enhance college and career readiness programs OR improving their high school graduation rate".  The four guiding principles for use of ARRA funds include: (a) spending funds quickly to save and create jobs; (b) improving student achievement through school improvement and reform; (c) ensuring transparency, reporting, and accountability; and (d) investing one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the impact of the limited life of these funds.

Successful LEAs must use funds to supplement (increase the level of services) and not supplant (replace) funds from federal, state, and local funds for similar activities. Any program activity required by state law or local board policy may not be paid with these funds. Grantees must maintain documentation which clearly demonstrates the supplementary nature of these funds.

To download the RFA and eligiblity list, visit the CDE ARRA competitive website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r5/eettca10rfa.asp.