The deadline for schools and libraries to apply for Emergency Connectivity Fund money and resources closes tomorrow, Friday, August 13. The $7.17 billion program’s application window closes at 11:59 p.m. ET.
“Far too many students are struggling to connect to modern education resources online – a terrible reality that only became starker during the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to strongly encourage schools and libraries with remote learning needs in their communities to apply for this new funding for the upcoming school year,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. The FCC can help answer questions about the program for these institutions, she added.
How to Apply – The Emergency Connectivity Fund enables eligible schools and libraries to submit funding requests to buy approved equipment and services received or delivered by June 30, 2022. The money can be used to buy laptops and tablets, WiFi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. It’s also available to support off campus learning, such as homework, even if schools have returned to full time in-person instruction.
Applicants must use or establish an account using an FCC registration number, a SAM.gov registration, and an account with the ECF program portal. They then fill out ECF FCC Form 471 with contact info, info about the entity applying – including estimated counts of students with unmet needs, the funding request, and certification. This process is detailed here.
Info and Next Steps – More information on the Emergency Connectivity Fund program is available here. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, with oversight from the FCC. After the filing window has closed and the USAC has reviewed the applications, preliminary and final results will be announced. Decisions as to whether a further application window is needed will be made after the review process.
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