The FCC is committing nearly $29 million in new funding through the Emergency Connectivity Fund program. The ECF has furnished digital tools and services to support students in communities across the country. The latest commitment benefits approximately 65,000 students nationwide, including those in California, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
“To keep up with their learning during the summer, many students still rely on libraries and schools to make sure they have access to the internet when school is out of session,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “That’s why we’re pleased to announce another round of funding to help close the Homework Gap by making sure all kids have the digital tools they need to connect with classrooms and teachers, all year round.”
Launched in 2021, the ECF has provided schools and libraries approximately $6.7 billion in funding commitments to date. The money has supported some 18 million students, 11,000 schools and 1,050 libraries. The ECP has provided nearly 13 million connected devices and over 8 million broadband connections.
The latest authorization will support approximately 120 schools and school districts as well as seven libraries and library systems. The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, and summertime online learning programs to ensure students have the necessary support to keep up with their education.
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