Phase 1: Open submissions

Call for submissions

June 30, 2020
Eligible entrants were invited to submit proposals for technology education programs that use competency-based distance learning.

Submission deadline

October 8, 2020
Phase 1 submissions closed at 5:59 p.m. ET on October 8, 2020.

Finalist teams announced

December 17, 2020
Phase 1 judging panel recommended five finalist teams, who each received an equal share of the $500,000 prize pool and progressed to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Community implementation

Plan programs

January - July 2021
Finalist teams completed their plans and built partnerships in advance of program launch.

Run programs

July 2021 - June 2022
Finalist teams launched programs, received ongoing expert support, and collected data on performance metrics.

Refine programs

July 2022 - June 2023
Finalist teams improved programs and created sustainability plans.

Report lessons learned

June 2023
Finalist teams documented their outcomes and learnings in a formal submission for evaluation by the Phase 2 judging panel.

Finalist showcase

July 2023
Finalist teams presented their programs to a judging panel and audience of experts in rural education and technology at the White House.

Winner announced

September 2023
Phase 2 judges recommended Woodlake High School to win the grand prize of $100,000.

See lessons learned and resources from the Rural Tech Project teams.

See lessons learned and resources from the Rural Tech Project teams.