Google is currently accepting applications for funds from its CS4HS program, which is intended to promote the teaching of Computer Science and Computational Thinking in the high school and middle school curriculum.

CS4HS,  standing for Computer Science for High School, is a Google initiative to “train the trainer”. Money is awarded to university and colleges for running hands-on workshops to teach K-12 teachers how best to incorporate computer science into the curriculum.

Started as a joint effort between Carnegie Mellon University, UCLA, and University of Washington to help introduce high school and middle school CS teachers to new and exciting technologies, CS4HS subsequently expanded to include K-12 teachers in all subjects, pre-service teachers, principals, and counselors.

Its programs bring individuals together for a summer workshop lasting between 3 and 5 days with the goals of invigorating them about computer science and computational thinking, and to provide them with tools and networking opportunities to help them in the classrooms. Google provides funding to universities to develop the workshop and is committed to having its local employees participate in workshop sessions whenever possible.

2013 will be the fifth year for this program and its geographical coverage now includes United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Australia and New Zealand.

The application process varies from region to region but in each case involves filling in a form in a single sitting.

According to the guidelines Google is looking for proposals that meet  the following requirements: 

• A hands-on experience. We are looking for programs that are 90% hands-on. Does your program allow participants to manipulate the subject themselves? Will they be programming or putting together their own lesson plans?
• Community component. We value what community can bring to a learning experience. Will participants have a chance to work with others toward a common goal? Will they have rich discussions together?
• Participant take-aways. Participants should be able to walk away from the CS4HS program with something(s) concrete. What will your participants be able to do after the program? What tools will you provide them in order to do so? Will there be follow-up to your initial program?
• Careful budget consideration. We are interested in how you are planning to spend your grant in as much detail as possible. How much are you asking for? What will be spent on supplies? What are those supplies? What will be spent on curriculum? Be as specific as possible.
• Reach of program. The average CS4HS program has anywhere from 25-100 participants. Some have more or fewer, depending on the details of that program. How many participants will you be recruiting? How will you recruit?

Applications can be submitted up to the deadline of February 16, 2013 for grants of up to $15,000 per project.