NOTE: Applications for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (EFC) closed on August 13, 2021. Information found on this page will remain on the WCRIS website as a reference while COVID relief programs are ending. If you have questions about pandemic aid programs, please contact WCRIS.
Congress has created a $7.17 Billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (EFC) through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC issued its guidelines for the program on May 11, 2021. 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.
It’s a complicated program. WCRIS has seen enough federal programs for long enough to know that interpretations (and help accessing them) varies. Often, a knowledgeable person open to private schools figures out a way to make these programs useful and the whole tune changes.
So, schools should continue to investigate if the program would work for them. Contact an E-Rate consultant. Or, you can contact CESA 10, 11 or 12 because they have E-Rate coordinators who can help you, regardless of where your school is located.
As a reminder, while you are investigating the program know that:
- Receiving funds from this program does count as federal financial assistance, triggering compliance with federal laws for the duration of participation in the program. This includes laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Children Internet Protection Act, among potential others. Schools will have one year to comply if they are not already complying.
- Note: There was an update (7/28) from contacts in DC saying that schools will not be required to register in SAM.gov. This may waive the “recipient of federal financial assistance” requirements listed above; however, nothing is guaranteed.
- Items purchased with ECF can only be used by students who are in need of connectivity for remote learning. Items purchased cannot be used in a classroom setting.
- Internet access point usage by students at home may have to be monitored by the school.
- The ECF application is the same as the E-Rate application.
- 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.
- 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.
