The FCC committed $96 million in new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students nationwide. The money will support applications for broadband service and connected devices to students across the country, especially those living in states impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, including Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina.
Nearly $53 million will benefit students, teachers, and library patrons living in areas impacted by recent hurricanes. For example, the Puerto Rico Department of Education is receiving support for 225,000 mobile hotspots and Pinellas County Schools near Clearwater, FL is receiving support for nearly 15,000 laptops.
“We need to make sure all kids have digital tools for connecting with school, but it’s especially important for students living in those areas damaged by the recent hurricanes,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “This program will help those students by funding hot spots, tablets, and broadband services, building on our ongoing work to close the Homework Gap.”
To date, the Commission has committed over $6 billion to schools and libraries as part of the Emergency Connectivity Program, which launched last year. The program has provided schools and libraries with three different application windows to apply for support.
The latest award provides funding for applications put forward in all three application windows, which will support approximately 170 schools and 30 libraries. The grants can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students have the necessary support to keep up with their education.
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