New Initiative to Bridge the Digital Divide with Off-Premises
Connectivity for Students and Library Patrons
EDMOND,
Okla., July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On
July 18, 2024, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve an expansion of
the E-rate program to include support for off-premises use of Wi-Fi
hotspots and wireless internet services. This initiative intends to
ensure that students and library patrons can access essential
educational resources, even outside of school and library
buildings, by providing funding for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless
internet services.
"Reliable internet access is fundamental to
modern education, allowing students to participate fully in digital
learning environments. This is a monumental step towards closing
the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to educational
resources for all."
In response, Funds For Learning issued the following statement
from CEO John Harrington:
"We commend the FCC for working to ensure that every student has
the opportunity to thrive in a connected world. The approval of
this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to the
E-rate program, aligning it with the realities of today's
educational landscape. Learning extends outside the classroom or
library to homes, while on the go, and in every community space.
This move empowers schools and libraries to bridge the homework
gap, providing students with the resources they need to succeed
academically, regardless of their socioeconomic status or
geographical location.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role of connectivity
in education, and this decision makes it possible for more students
and library patrons to gain internet access. Reliable internet
access is fundamental to modern education, allowing students to
participate fully in digital learning environments. This is a
monumental step towards closing the digital divide and ensuring
equitable access to educational resources for all. Funds For
Learning is committed to supporting this expansion and will
continue to advocate for policies that enhance the effectiveness of
the E-rate program."
Additional details on the E-rate Program Expansion include:
- Funding Allocation: The program will allocate funds based on a
per-student and per-library location budget, ensuring equitable
distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots and services.
- Wi-Fi Hotspots Only: Funding is limited to Wi-Fi hotspot
hardware and services only, excluding support for cellular-enabled
laptops and other multi-user wireless systems.
- Eligibility: Funds will be available for purchasing Wi-Fi
hotspots and wireless internet services for off-premises use,
prioritizing on-premises equipment and services and incorporating
various safeguards to ensure proper use and documentation.
In Funds For Learning's 2023 E-rate Trends Report, 74% of
respondents indicated that insufficient internet access to the
homes of students or library patrons is a significant issue.
Despite varying opinions on the best solutions, the report
underscores a critical consensus among stakeholders on the urgent
need for off-campus student internet access.
Funds For Learning will host a webinar on July 25th to discuss the application process,
eligibility criteria, and how to maximize the benefits of the
E-rate Program Expansion.
E-rate Program Expansion Webinar Details:
- Date: July 25, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time
- Registration:Link.
The Funds For Learning team is saving time for a handful of
interviews on this topic over the next few days. To coordinate an
interview, please contact madison.lee@finnpartners.com.
For more information on the E-rate Program and industry
insights, please visit http://www.fundsforlearning.com/.
About Funds For Learning
Funds For Learning, LLC, is a compliance firm specializing in
the federal E-rate funding program for schools and libraries.
Funds For Learning supports E-rate stakeholders in all 50 states,
helping them navigate the application process to receive support
for internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To deliver applicant
feedback to the Federal Communications Commission and Congress,
Funds For Learning coordinates the annual E-Rate Trends Report. For
more information, please visit
https://www.fundsforlearning.com.
Media Contact
Funds For Learning, Funds For Learning, 5748500483,
madison.lee@finnpartners.com, https://www.fundsforlearning.com/
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SOURCE Funds For Learning