CoSN CEO Keith Krueger today issued the following statement recognizing the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement of over $5 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund Program requests and applauding the Commission’s decision to provide a second application window to enable the submission of additional project applications.
The more than $7 billion in E-rate funding available comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will be used to improve remote learning and minimize the United States’ persistent “Homework Gap” — the lack of devices and broadband connectivity at home for students.
“Today’s FCC announcement about the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) confirms the incredible breadth of the persistent U.S. Homework Gap. Millions of students and staff need this financial assistance to learn.
“This critical federal investment will move the country closer to the universal home connectivity and device access required for 21st-century teaching and learning now and after the pandemic.
“CoSN strongly welcomes the FCC’s decision to provide an additional two-week window for communities to file ECF applications for prospective projects. School district technology leaders are managing many challenges and priorities as this summer comes to a close and back-to-school ramps up, and providing another short application window will help to ensure that all students and staff have the broadband connections they need.”
Learn about CoSN’s Digital Equity Initiative here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Payter, hpayter@fratelli.com, 202-822-9491
About CoSN
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org
