Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp Elementary CS Sponsorship FAQs
What is the Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp PD Elementary Computer Science Sponsorship?
Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) has funded the work of BootUp PD to bring elementary-level computer science professional development, curricula, instructional coach support, and other resources to awarded school districts over three years at no charge to the districts. The goal is to award districts who collectively help us reach 500,000 students with the joy of computer science, coding, and computational thinking beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.
Who is eligible to apply for the AFE+BootUp sponsorship?
This opportunity is only available for school districts in the United States and is not open to individual schools or teachers. School districts that apply must submit a Letter of Commitment from the district superintendent.
I am a teacher. Can I apply for the AFE+BootUp sponsorship?
Yes, you can apply but this is for sponsorship for the entire school district and the application needs a letter of support from your school district superintendent.
Do I need a grant writer to apply?
You don’t need a grant writer for this sponsorship, there is a simple application to complete and submit.
How does my district apply for the AFE+BootUp sponsorship?
Go to https://afebootup.smapply.org to register and create an account to begin completing the application. You can also go to https://bootuppd.org/amazonfutureengineer/ to learn more about the sponsorship.
What if I have questions about the application process?
You can reach out directly to one of BootUp’s District Coding Accelerators or you can email any application-related questions directly to amazonfutureengineer@bootuppd.org and we will make certain we answer any questions you may have.
| Suzanne B. Carlson, M. Ed. | Tizara Taylor |
| District Coding Accelerator | District Coding Accelerator |
| (262) 205-9111 | (301) 312-5999 |
| suzanne@bootuppd.org | zara@bootuppd.org |
| Schedule on my calendar | Schedule on my calendar |
How will the applications be evaluated?
Priority Will Be Given To:
- Districts serving a large percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
- Districts serving a large percentage of Minority students
- Districts committing to a large number of student participants
- Districts committing to an equitable implementation; and
- Districts committing to a district-wide implementation*
*Recommendation to reach all students and so participation demographics align to district demographics as a whole.
When will I hear back on my application?
There is a rolling deadline for applications. School district applications will be evaluated monthly. AFE and BootUp will continue to accept and evaluate applications until all sponsorships have been awarded. You will be notified if your district has been awarded, wait-listed, or declined as soon as practicable.
What does the AFE+BootUp sponsorship provide to my district if we are awarded?
BootUp will work with your district to create a custom Action Plan to help your district accomplish its strategic goals for elementary computer science, including scheduling the professional development workshops during times that work for your district. BootUp will provide a series of professional development workshops on elementary computer science. We also offer implementation support (including site visits, model teaching, and coaching), lesson planning, access to a nationwide Professional Learning Community (PLC), and a teacher forum where teachers can exchange tips and ideas. Finally, BootUp will provide Instructional Coach Support, including an Instructional Coach Course to assist the coach(es) in taking on increased facilitation and coaching responsibilities.
What if my district is not ready or eligible to apply for the sponsorship?
Feel free to check out the BootUp PD resources page for free resources to help get your own computer science initiative started today! Please reach out to our District Coding Accelerators if you have any questions.
