We are excited to be able to offer financial support for EmpowerMN CS+AI participants in 2026! The funding for the event is through an NSF grant to the Computer Science Teachers Association. Due to the nature of the grant, we have different eligibility criteria for the stipends and travel than previous years so please read the information below carefully.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for a stipend and/or travel support, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must attend all three days of EmpowerMN CS+AI AND
- Be a K-12 public or private school teacher who is working in the classroom with students during the 2026-27 school year.
We would love to have other folks attend as well! Here is what you may be eligible for:
- If you are a K-12 school or building administrator who does not work directly with students, you may still register for $100, however, you are not eligible for a stipend or travel support.
- If you are an informal educator, you may be able to receive a stipend and travel support if we have extra available after accommodating K-12 teachers; however, you may still register at the $100 rate.
- Staff or students from teacher preparation programs are not eligible for stipends, but may be eligible for travel support. You may still register at the $100 rate.
Stipends
CSTA will be providing stipends of $630 (21 hours at $30 / hour) to K-12 educators who attend all three days of the EmpowerMN CS+AI event. CSTA will be awarding the stipends directly, rather than Northern Lights Collaborative. More information on the stipend process for participants will be available at EmpowerMN CS+AI.
Travel Support
We are pleased to offer travel support of $600 to individuals attending the EmpowerMN CS+AI professional development conference who are traveling from outside of the seven country metro area in Minnesota.
Please take a moment to fill out the travel support form. Travel support will be awarded by CSTA as a $600 stipend to those who are deemed eligible after completing the form. Evening meals and parking are not included. (Breakfast and lunch are provided each day at EmpowerMN CS+AI.)
Lodging
EmpowerMN CS+AI does not have a specific block of rooms reserved, however, the UMN Office of Admissions has a list of hotels that are located close to Bruininks Hall. Below are the three hotels that are closest to the location of the event building. Note: The discounted rates for hotel rooms do not apply to this event and you must follow the GSA rates.
- The Graduate (2 blocks)
- Days Inn Hotel (0.7 miles)
- Hilton Garden Inn (0.6 miles)
UMN Overnight Accommodations for Visitors
Parking & Transportation
Bruinicks Hall is easily accessible off the METRO Green Line. The METRO Green Line travels down Washington Avenue through the heart of the East Bank Campus.
The closest parking lot to the event is the Washington Avenue Parking Ramp, 501 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Parking expenses will not be reimbursed and must be covered by participants.