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Rural Technology Education Grants
Posted on 09/17/2026
The Rural Technology Fund (RTF) Grant Program provides direct funding for public schools and libraries to introduce and expand technology education and assistive technology tools.
While RTF primary grant efforts focus on K-12 public education environments, California adult educators, especially those operating within public school districts, community colleges, or county offices of education, can leverage these grants to support adult learners acquiring technical literacy and workforce skills.
Grant Overview & Typical Funding Amounts
Grant Category
Typical Award Range
Key Focus & Eligible Projects
Rural Technology Education Grants
$500 – $2,500
Funding for hardware, microcomputers (e.g., Raspberry Pi), 3D printers, circuit development kits, and robotics kits to build maker spaces or foundational computer science skills.
Assistive Technology (AT) Grants
$500 – $2,000
Funding for adaptive hardware and software (speech-to-text, magnification, AAC devices, adaptive mice/keyboards) to build inclusive learning environments.
How This Helps California Adult Educators
- Closes the Digital Divide: Equips rural or high-poverty adult education classrooms with essential hands-on hardware for computer science, programming, and IT career pathways.
- Enhances Accessibility: Provides funding for assistive technology tools, enabling adult learners with disabilities or learning differences to fully access educational materials.
- Supplements Limited Budgets: Offers direct mini-grants ($500–$2,500) to quickly acquire classroom technology sets without waiting for larger district funding cycles.
Action Items for Adult Educators
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your adult education program operates under a public school district, public library, or public community organization within a rural or high-poverty area in California.
- Identify Technology Needs: Determine whether your program requires hands-on IT/STEM equipment (e.g., maker space kits) or Assistive Technology devices (e.g., screen magnifiers, adaptive keyboards).
- Build a Budget Justification: Prepare a clear budget request reflecting actual costs, showing how the requested equipment will directly impact adult learners.
- Submit Application: Apply directly on the Rural Technology Fund Application Page. Applications are reviewed rolling every 30–60 days with no strict deadline.
