Congress has created a $7.17 Billion Emergency Connectivity Fund through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC issued its guidelines for the program on Monday (5/11). The fund is designed to help close the homework gap.
The program provides reimbursements for allowable expenses, such as laptops, tablets, modems, routers, and hot spots. Here is a general summary of the program.
You do NOT have to be in the E-Rate program to apply. However, schools will use the E-rate application form to receive the aid. Details about the application process are still being worked out.
It’s a complicated program. WCRIS recommends you use an e-rate consultant to apply for the aid. There are many private providers or you can contact CESA 9, 10, 11, or 12, which specialize in the e-rate. Because the program is so new, the consultants may not know much yet. Feel free to forward them this newsletter.
Stay tuned to Current Events for updates and access to webinars about this program.
