Federal Funding Guide — 2025–2026

Fund Ashaware with Federal Dollars Your District Already Has

Ashaware — the world's first Afrocentric K–12 AI learning platform — is eligible for purchase through multiple federal funding streams. This guide helps school administrators, curriculum directors, and non-profit leaders identify the right funding source for their organization.

Important legal development — 2025–2026: Recent legal action led by the ACLU and supported by national educator organizations has reaffirmed that the federal government cannot withhold education funding from schools simply because they implement programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, or culturally responsive learning environments. The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that schools may continue supporting initiatives that advance educational equity and student belonging. Ashaware is an Afrocentric curriculum and AI lesson plan platform grounded in evidence-based pedagogy, accurate historical education, and standards-aligned instruction — legally defensible, educationally essential, and federally fundable.
Ashaware Implementation Aligns With
ESSA Evidence-Based Intervention Priorities MTSS Tier 1 & Tier 2 Student Support CASEL 5 Core SEL Competencies Culturally Relevant Pedagogy — Ladson-Billings Culturally Responsive Teaching — Geneva Gay PBIS School Climate Frameworks NSF STEM K-12 & AI Education Priority African Mathematical Heritage — STEM Roots Carl D. Perkins CTE Act — Careers & STEM
These alignments make Ashaware an allowable and strategic use of multiple federal funding sources.

✅ Already Approved — No Bid Required

Ashaware is an approved vendor on the Choice Partners National Purchasing Cooperative — a federally compliant purchasing cooperative operating under EDGAR / 2 CFR Part 200.

This means schools, districts, universities, municipalities, and non-profits across the United States can purchase Ashaware without going through a separate competitive bid process. The procurement work has already been done.

Get Your Quote Choice Partners
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K-12 Schools & Districts — purchase directly, no bid

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Colleges & Universities — eligible institutions

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Municipalities & Housing Authorities — Choice Partners eligible

🤝

Non-Profit Organizations — with educational mission

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EDGAR / 2 CFR 200 compliant — required for federal fund use

Primary Funding Sources

Federal Programs That Fund Ashaware

Each of the following 18 federal programs can be used to purchase Ashaware subscriptions for schools, districts, institutions, and eligible organizations. For each program, the Ashaware-specific alignment and allowable use rationale is provided — ready to include in your grant application or procurement documentation.

Title I, Part A — ESSA

Improving Basic Programs for Disadvantaged Students

$18.38 Billion nationally — nearly 90% of US districts eligible

Title I funds are allocated to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families. The goal is to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable access to high-quality education. Funds can be used for instructional materials, curriculum, and supplemental learning programs.

Ashaware fit: Black and African diaspora students are disproportionately represented in Title I schools. Ashaware provides culturally grounded, standards-aligned instructional content that directly improves academic outcomes for underserved students — meeting Title I's core mandate.
  • Purchasing instructional materials and curriculum
  • Implementing evidence-based instructional strategies
  • Supplemental learning programs for at-risk students
  • Extended learning opportunities — after-school programs
  • Parent and family engagement tools
Title IV, Part A — ESSA (SSAE)

Student Support & Academic Enrichment

$1.6 Billion nationally — flexible use for EdTech & curriculum

Title IV-A is one of the most flexible federal funding streams. It supports three areas: well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology. EdTech platforms, curriculum tools, and AI-powered learning programs are explicitly eligible purchases.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware qualifies under all three Title IV-A pillars — as a well-rounded education tool (Afrocentric curriculum across 11 subjects), a technology platform (AI-generated lesson plans, 8 reading levels), and an SEL-integrated system (Social Emotional Learning is a subject area).
  • EdTech platforms and AI-powered learning tools
  • Well-rounded education — arts, history, social studies, STEM
  • Culturally responsive and antiracist teaching tools
  • Personalized, technology-supported learning
  • Professional development for effective technology use
Title II, Part A — ESSA

Supporting Effective Instruction

$2.1 Billion nationally — teacher quality & professional development

Title II-A funds are focused on improving teacher and principal effectiveness, including through professional development, training, and instructional resources that raise the quality of classroom instruction.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware gives teachers instant access to culturally relevant, standards-mapped lesson plans — reducing prep time and improving instructional quality without requiring additional PD investment. Qualifies as professional learning support and instructional resource.
  • Instructional resources that improve teaching quality
  • Tools that support culturally responsive instruction
  • Reducing teacher preparation burden
  • Supporting diverse learner needs in the classroom
Title III — ESSA

Language Instruction for English Learners

$890 Million nationally — English Learner populations

Title III supports language instruction programs for English Learners and immigrant students. Culturally relevant content that connects to students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds is eligible, as is content that improves academic outcomes for diverse student populations.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware's 8 AI-adapted reading levels (K through Higher Ed) make it particularly valuable for EL students who need grade-appropriate content at accessible reading levels. The platform's Afrocentric content also directly serves large immigrant student populations from African and Caribbean backgrounds.
  • Culturally relevant curriculum for diverse learner populations
  • AI reading-level adaptation for EL students
  • Content connecting to African and Caribbean heritage languages
  • Academic achievement support for immigrant students
Ethnic Studies State Mandates

State Mandate Compliance Funding

State-allocated — IL, CA, NY, GA, OH, NV, PA & beyond

Several states have passed legislation mandating Afrocentric or ethnic studies curriculum. Districts in these states have dedicated budget allocations — and in some cases direct state grants — specifically for curriculum and tools that satisfy these mandates.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware is curriculum-mapped to the Illinois Black History Education Act (852 districts), California AB 101 & SB 510, NYC DOE PK-12 Black Studies curriculum, and standards in Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. It is purpose-built for mandate compliance.
  • Illinois — Black History Education Act (852 districts)
  • California — AB 101 & SB 510 Ethnic Studies
  • New York — NYC DOE PK-12 Black Studies curriculum
  • Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania standards
  • Ontario & Nova Scotia — Canadian curriculum
IDEA — Special Education

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

$15.5 Billion nationally — differentiated instruction tools

IDEA funds support differentiated instruction and supplemental tools that serve students with disabilities. Platforms with built-in differentiation — multiple reading levels, adaptive content — are eligible when they serve the IEP goals of students with learning differences.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware's 8 AI-adapted reading levels (K through Higher Ed) provide built-in differentiated instruction for every student in a classroom, including those with IEPs. One platform, every learner — no separate materials required.
  • Differentiated instruction across 8 reading levels
  • AI-adapted content for diverse learning needs
  • Supplemental instructional materials for IEP goals
  • Inclusive classroom tools
Head Start & Early Learning Grants

Early Childhood Education Programs

$12 Billion+ nationally — ages birth to 5

Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age 5 in low-income families. Culturally relevant curriculum and family engagement tools are explicit priorities of the Head Start program, which operates through the Administration for Children and Families.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware's Alphabet & Numbers subject areas serve ages 2–6, and the platform's Afrocentric framing directly meets Head Start's mandate for culturally and linguistically responsive programming. Family and home plans extend learning beyond the classroom.
  • Culturally responsive early learning curriculum
  • Alphabet & Numbers content for ages 2–6
  • Family engagement — home plan for $59.99/year
  • Linguistically and culturally responsive programming
Title IV, Part B — 21st CCLC

21st Century Community Learning Centers

$1.3 Billion nationally — after-school & community programs

Title IV-B funds support community learning centers that provide academic enrichment programs outside school hours, including after-school, weekend, and summer programs. Non-profit organizations, libraries, community organizations, and housing authorities can apply.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware is ideal for after-school and community enrichment settings — no IT infrastructure required, browser-based, works on any device. Non-profits and community organizations running Afrocentric educational programming can use these funds to license Ashaware for their participants.
  • After-school academic enrichment programs
  • Community learning centers — libraries, housing authorities
  • Cultural enrichment and arts programming
  • Summer learning programs
  • Non-profit organization eligibility
Title I, Part C — ESSA

Migrant Education Program

~$400 Million nationally — migratory student populations

Supports migratory students whose education may be disrupted by family mobility, including children of agricultural workers and others who move frequently. Focuses on continuity of learning and cultural identity support for students transitioning into new school communities.

Ashaware fit: Many migratory students are of African, Caribbean, or Latin American heritage. Ashaware's Afrocentric content supports belonging, cultural identity affirmation, and peer connection for students entering new school communities — directly meeting Title I-C's mandate for continuity and engagement.
  • Cultural identity affirmation for transient student populations
  • Continuity of standards-aligned learning across school changes
  • 8 reading levels ensure access regardless of entry point
  • Content relevant to African and Caribbean diaspora communities
Title I, Part D — ESSA

Prevention & Intervention Programs for At-Risk Youth

~$50 Million nationally — dropout prevention & re-engagement

Supports programs that prevent dropout and assist youth returning from correctional, juvenile justice, or alternative education settings. Focuses on resilience, identity development, mentoring, and re-engagement strategies for students at risk of disengagement from school.

Ashaware fit: Black and African diaspora youth are disproportionately represented in at-risk populations — often due to systemic curriculum disconnects, not academic inability. Ashaware directly addresses the root cause: curriculum that does not reflect or affirm these students. Culturally grounded content rebuilds engagement, belonging, and identity.
  • Re-engagement tools for students who feel unseen in curriculum
  • Identity development through accurate Afrocentric content
  • SEL subject area — Social Emotional Learning built in
  • Flexible reading levels for students with learning gaps
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Stronger Connections Grant Program

$1 Billion (one-time) — school safety, mental health & climate

The Stronger Connections Grant supports initiatives that strengthen school safety, mental health supports, and positive school climate. Grants are awarded to LEAs with the highest need and are focused on student connection, belonging, and mental wellness — including evidence-based SEL programs.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware's SEL subject area and culturally grounded curriculum directly support students in building positive school identity and belonging — key components of safe, connected school environments. Students who see themselves in their curriculum are more engaged, less disruptive, and more connected to school.
  • SEL — Social Emotional Learning is a full Ashaware subject area
  • Student belonging through culturally affirming content
  • School climate improvement for at-risk student populations
  • Mental health support through identity-affirming curriculum
  • Evidence-based CASEL-aligned competencies
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Education for Homeless Children & Youth

~$120 Million nationally — students experiencing homelessness

Provides funding to support students experiencing homelessness — including those in shelters, doubled-up housing, motels, or unsheltered situations. Focuses on belonging, stability, and academic continuity for students experiencing housing instability.

Ashaware fit: Black children are disproportionately represented among students experiencing homelessness in the US. Ashaware is browser-based — no installation, works on any device including library and shelter computers — and its content provides cultural grounding and belonging for students whose lives are otherwise in upheaval.
  • 100% browser-based — works on any device including library computers
  • Cultural belonging and identity support for displaced students
  • No hardware or installation requirements
  • Supplemental learning continuity across school transitions
Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP)

Rural Schools & Impact Aid Flexibility

REAP ~$180M · Impact Aid ~$1.5B — rural & federally connected districts

REAP provides flexible funding for small rural school districts that may not qualify for other federal programs due to size or population. Impact Aid supports districts serving federally connected students — including military families and students on federal lands. Both programs allow flexible use for instructional materials and curriculum.

Ashaware fit: Rural Black and Indigenous communities — particularly in the US South, Appalachia, and on tribal lands — are among the most underserved when it comes to Afrocentric curriculum. REAP and Impact Aid flexibility allows these districts to purchase Ashaware even when other Title funding is minimal.
  • Rural Black communities in the US South and Appalachia
  • Military families and federally connected student populations
  • Flexible use for instructional curriculum and materials
  • Districts too small for standard Title I thresholds
  • Tribal education agencies with Indigenous African heritage communities
E-Rate — FCC Program

Schools and Libraries Program (E-Rate)

$4.4 Billion annually — internet & digital learning infrastructure

The FCC's E-Rate program provides discounts to schools and libraries for internet access, telecommunications, and eligible digital learning services. It is particularly valuable for rural and high-poverty districts with limited technology budgets.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware is a 100% browser-based platform — no software installation, no hardware requirements. It runs on any internet-connected device. E-Rate internet connectivity funding directly enables Ashaware access for students in low-connectivity schools and communities.
  • Internet connectivity enabling Ashaware access
  • Eligible for rural and high-poverty districts
  • Libraries and community organizations eligible
  • No software or hardware beyond browser access required
NSF STEM K-12 Program — NSF 25-545

National Science Foundation — STEM & AI Education Research

$30M+ available · $25K–$750K per award · Rolling submissions

The NSF STEM K-12 program funds fundamental, applied, and translational research advancing STEM teaching and learning. In 2025, NSF explicitly refocused the program on artificial intelligence as a Trump administration education priority — making AI-powered learning tools the primary qualifying hook for new proposals.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware is an AI-powered platform teaching mathematics rooted in African mathematical traditions — Ishango Bone (20,000 BC), Mancala, Egyptian geometry, African Fractal patterns. This is culturally grounded STEM instruction enhanced by AI. NSF's current priority of AI that enhances STEM teaching and learning is an exact match. Universities and nonprofits can partner with Ashaware on NSF proposals.
  • AI-enhanced STEM teaching and learning — NSF's stated 2025 priority
  • African mathematical heritage as STEM curriculum foundation
  • Interactive math games — Hyena Chase, Mancala, Ishango, Fractals
  • Eligible: universities, nonprofits, for-profits, state/local government
  • Rolling submissions — no fixed deadline
NSF ITEST — Innovative Technology Experiences

NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers

Multi-year awards · $500K–$3M · Workforce pathway focus

ITEST funds projects that increase student awareness of STEM careers, motivate students to pursue STEM pathways, and provide technology-rich learning experiences. The program specifically targets underrepresented populations and technology-focused career preparation. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, for-profits, and state governments.

Ashaware fit: Black and African diaspora students are severely underrepresented in STEM careers — in part because they have never seen African contributions to mathematics and science acknowledged in curriculum. Ashaware directly addresses this pipeline problem by showing students that mathematics was born in Africa. ITEST proposals can use Ashaware as the culturally grounded STEM engagement platform for underrepresented youth.
  • STEM career awareness for underrepresented student populations
  • African math games as authentic technology-rich experiences
  • Careers subject area — STEM workforce pathway content
  • After-school, community, and informal learning settings eligible
  • Non-profit and community organizations can apply
Carl D. Perkins CTE Act — Career & Technical Education

Perkins V — Career & Technical Education State Grants

$1.4B annually · Formula grants to states · Flexible use

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act provides formula grants to states for career and technical education programs. Perkins V (2018) expanded eligibility for CTE programs to include career exploration, work-based learning, and technology integration. Funds flow from states to local educational agencies and CTE programs.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware's Careers subject area provides culturally grounded career exploration content for students of African descent — connecting African heritage and identity to modern career pathways. Perkins funds can support Ashaware as a career awareness and exploration tool within CTE programs, particularly in districts with high Black student enrollment.
  • Careers subject area — career exploration and pathway awareness
  • Technology integration in CTE programs
  • Work-based learning enrichment tools
  • Available in all Ashaware target states — IL, CA, NY, GA, OH, NV, PA
  • Flows through state CTE offices to local programs
Private STEM & AI Education Grants

Corporate STEM & AI Grants — F5, Akamai, Society for Science & More

Varies by funder · Non-profit eligibility · AI focus in 2025–26

Multiple private funders have made AI education and STEM access for underrepresented students their 2025–2026 priority. F5's STEM Education and AI Grants specifically fund nonprofits building AI learning pipelines for women and girls of color. The Society for Science STEM Action Grants fund community organizations expanding STEM access for underrepresented populations.

Ashaware fit: Ashaware is an AI platform teaching culturally grounded STEM content — a direct match for corporate AI + equity funding priorities. Non-profits and community organizations using Ashaware for after-school STEM programming for Black and African diaspora youth should actively pursue F5, Akamai, and Society for Science grants.
  • F5 STEM & AI Grants — women and girls of color, majority POC programs
  • Society for Science STEM Action Grants — community organizations
  • Akamai Early Learner STEM — ages 5–19, digital inclusion focus
  • AEP Foundation — STEM + social justice outcomes
  • Non-profit and community organization eligibility
2025–2026 Policy Context

Navigating the Current Federal Environment

The current federal administration has used "DEI" as a label to scrutinize certain school programs. Here is how to confidently frame Ashaware purchases in grant applications and procurement documentation.

⚠ What this means for your procurement language

The Trump administration's February 2025 Dear Colleague Letter targeted race-based preferences in admissions, hiring, and program access — not factual historical education or culturally relevant curriculum. Educational, cultural, and historical observances are explicitly permitted. Ashaware is a curriculum and technology tool, not a race-preference program. Use the language below when documenting your purchase.

📄 Recommended Grant Application Language

For Title I, Title IV-A, or state mandate compliance documentation
"This platform provides AI-generated, standards-aligned instructional content across 11 subject areas, adapted to 8 reading levels from Kindergarten through Higher Education. It supports accurate historical education, evidence-based culturally relevant pedagogy as described in the research of Ladson-Billings (1995) and Gay (2000), and measurable improvement in student engagement and academic achievement for underserved student populations. Content is curriculum-mapped to [state] standards and purchased through the Choice Partners National Purchasing Cooperative (EDGAR / 2 CFR 200 compliant)."
This framing grounds the purchase in evidence-based pedagogy and standards compliance — legally defensible and federally appropriate language.

🏫 Recommended Framing for Title IV-A Technology Purchases

For EdTech / technology use documentation
"Ashaware is an AI-powered educational technology platform that delivers personalized, differentiated instructional content across multiple subjects and reading levels. It supports the effective use of technology as required under ESSA Title IV-A, including AI-generated lesson plans, reading-level adaptation from Kindergarten through Higher Education, and curriculum standards mapping. It is purchased through the Choice Partners cooperative in compliance with 2 CFR Part 200."
Lead with technology and differentiation — both core Title IV-A priorities — rather than cultural specificity.

🤝 Recommended Framing for Non-Profit Grant Applications

For 21st CCLC, Head Start, community enrichment grants
"Our organization will use Ashaware to deliver supplemental educational programming that addresses documented achievement gaps among the students we serve. The platform provides 400,000+ standards-aligned lesson plans across 11 subject areas, adapted to 8 reading levels, and includes interactive mathematics programming rooted in African mathematical traditions. Students receive accurate, historically grounded content that improves academic engagement, reading comprehension, and numeracy outcomes."
Frame around outcomes (achievement, engagement, reading, numeracy) and content quality rather than cultural identity terms.
How to Purchase Ashaware

From Funding Identification to Purchase — 5 Steps

Whether you are a school administrator, curriculum director, or non-profit program manager, here is the straightforward path to purchasing Ashaware with federal funds.

1

Identify Your Funding Source

Use this guide to identify which federal program applies to your organization. Most K-12 districts qualify for Title I and Title IV-A. Non-profits should look at 21st CCLC. Early learning programs should explore Head Start funds.

2

Confirm Choice Partners Eligibility

Verify that your organization qualifies to purchase through the Choice Partners cooperative. Schools, districts, universities, municipalities, libraries, and non-profits are all eligible. Visit choicepartners.org or contact us to confirm.

3

Request a Quote from Ashaware

Contact Ashaware at wsalmon@ashaware.com to receive a formal quote that references the Choice Partners cooperative contract number — the documentation your purchasing or finance team needs to process the order under federal funds.

4

Use the Grant Language Templates

Copy the application language from the section above to document your purchase in your grant application, Title I plan, or district budget request. Use the technology and differentiated instruction framing for 2025–2026 applications.

5

Book a Demo for Stakeholder Buy-In

Before submitting your procurement request, book a live demo of the Ashaware platform. Seeing the lesson viewer, reading-level adaptation, and math games live makes approval easier at every level — principal, curriculum director, school board.

Ashaware Plans — Starting at $59.99/Year

Ashaware offers flexible plans for every type of organization. All plans include full access to 400,000+ AI-generated lesson plans, 11 subjects, and 8 reading levels.

Home / Family
$59.99
/year · 1 user
Single Educator
$249.99
/year · 1 teacher
5 Users
$1,099.99
/year · teams
20 Users
$3,499.99
/year · departments
⭐ Site License
$4,999.99
/year · unlimited staff
District / Volume
Contact Us
$25K–$100K+ negotiated

All plans available through Choice Partners — no competitive bid required for eligible US institutions

Ready to Fund Ashaware for Your School or Organization?

Contact us to receive a formal quote referencing the Choice Partners cooperative contract number — everything your finance team needs to process a federally funded purchase.

Contact Us View All Plans