Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program?

Through a competitive application process, the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program rewards Colorado kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers who use technology in their classrooms in new and innovative ways to improve student performance. This year teachers across Colorado have the opportunity to share $200,000 in grants for their technology-related programs

Who is eligible?

A classroom teacher or a team of classroom teachers who are employed by an eligible school district may apply for a Qwest Teachers and Technology grant. Basic eligibility requirements include the following:

Applicant(s) must teach in an eligible school district;
Applicant(s) must be a K-12 classroom teacher(s);
Applicant(s) must spend at least 50 percent of their time as a classroom teacher(s);
Applicant(s) must have at least three years of classroom teaching experience;
Previous Qwest Teacher and Technology grant award winners are not eligible.

What if I live in a state other than Colorado? Is there a program for me?

Qwest supports Teachers and Technology grant programs in 13 additional states, including Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Please visit the Qwest Foundation’s Web site to learn more about the application process for another state.

How do I apply?

Technology can help make many classroom subjects more engaging and interactive, thereby building strengths in math, science and other important areas.

Think about innovative ways you’d like to incorporate technology – hardware, software, equipment, supplies – into your classrooms and how it could have the most impact on your students’ learning, especially in math and science.

Both individual teachers and teacher teams may apply for the Qwest Teachers and Technology grants. Read through the application instructions, download the correct application, and complete and submit it by March 10, 2009.

What types of projects can I apply for?

The technology sky is the limit when it comes to grant proposals!

Technology and related, proposed programs must engage students, enhance student performance and prepare them for life in a technologically advanced world. One of the goals of the Qwest Teachers and Technology grant program is for teachers to share information about how the technologies they use benefit students, so winners must be willing to present their programs to others in the education field if asked.

Grant proposals may incorporate hardware and equipment, software, supplies and even professional development requests. All must include a technology angle, and Qwest encourages educators to be innovative and creative in their grant proposals. Many previous winners are helping students lead the technology way in their schools by creating wind-analysis and mapping programs; teaching cutting-edge automotive troubleshooting with advanced scan machines; and using GPS to study and fight invasive plant species.

What is the application deadline?

The completed application package must be delivered or postmarked no later than March 10, 2009.

When will I know if I’ve won?

Grant winners will be notified by May 8, 2009.

How much can I win?

Grant amounts vary, and a detailed budget analysis is required with your grant proposal. The average amount of a Qwest Teachers and Technology grant is approximately $5,000.

What can I spend the grant money on?

Funds may be used to purchase supplies or to support professional development needs; however, funds may not be used to pay salaries or stipends.