Summary: The E-Rate Program offers up to 90% discounts on eligible data transmission services, internet access, internal connections, and managed internal broadband services and equipment.
Description: The purpose of the E-Rate Program is to ensure that schools and libraries across the U.S. are connected to information and resources through the internet. Eligible applicants include public or private K-12 schools, libraries, and groups of schools/libraries (e.g., consortia, districts). This program requires an annual application and priority is given to the highest poverty areas.
Application Information/Link: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/get-started/
The FY 2021 application cycle is currently open beginning on January 15, 2021 through March 25, 2021. Learn more about the application process here. Applicants are encourages to submit their application forms (FCC Form 470 and 471) as early as possible. Please note the FCC Form 470 must be certified 28 days before the close of the filing window – February 25, 2021 is the last possible day to certify an FY2021 FCC Form 470 and still be able to certify an FCC Form 471 within the FY2021 filing window.

U.S. Department of Education — Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER)

Summary: Congress allocated an additional $54.2 billion for the ESSER II fund through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2021 (CRRSA). The Department of Education will award grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) to address the impact that COVID-19 has and continues to have on elementary and secondary schools across the nation.
Description: ESSER funds may be used to support distance education through purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students, including low-income students and students with disabilities, which may include assistive technology or adaptive equipment.
Application Information: Each SEA will receive funds in the same proportion as each State received funds under Part A of Title I. School districts must apply to the relevant SEA, who will award subgrants to LEAs.
More information about ESSER: https://oese.ed.gov/offices/education-stabilization-fund/elementary-secondary-school-emergency-relief-fund/
CRRSA ESSER II Methodology and Allocation Table: https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/01/Final_ESSERII_Methodology_Table_1.5.21.pdf
ESSER II Fact Sheet: https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/01/Final_ESSERII_Factsheet_1.5.21.pdf

U.S. Department of Education — CARES Act Project SERV

Summary: Congress awarded $100 million for Project SERV under the CARES Act to respond to COVID-19 disruptions to the learning environment in schools and postsecondary institutions.
Description: Since other CARES Act funds are still being allocated/spent, the Department will announce plans for making Project SERV funds available to eligible applicants later this year, with a likely focus on applicants with significant unmet needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as additional needs that could emerge due to future related issues affecting schools and postsecondary institutions during the 2020-2021 school year.
Website: https://oese.ed.gov/offices/education-stabilization-fund/cares-act-project-serv/

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Broadband For K-12 Education Providers