Live Webinar on 7/16: Beyond E-Rate – How to Stack Technology Grants for Instant Classroom Impact
DATE: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 TIME: 11:00 am EST REGISTER NOW When the federal budget lens is blurry, many tech directors hit pause. But classrooms can’t wait for Wi‑Fi, cybersecurity, or emergency‑alert systems to maybe appear in next year’s appropriations bill. The good news? You don’t have to sit on the sidelines. By blending several smaller, […]
Supreme Court Signals Support for E-rate Funding: What It Means for Schools and Students
The United States Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case that challenges the funding structure of the Universal Service Fund (USF)—the program that fuels the $4 billion E-rate initiative for public and private schools’ internet access. While some conservative justices expressed concerns tied to the legal doctrine known as the nondelegation doctrine, the overall […]
Is E-Rate Funding in Jeopardy? What Schools Need to Know and How to Prepare
The E-Rate program has been a cornerstone of digital equity in education since its inception in 1996, ensuring that schools and libraries across the country have access to affordable broadband and telecommunications services. However, recent political and regulatory changes have put aspects of the program in jeopardy, raising concerns for K-12 leaders who rely on […]
Last-Minute E-Rate Tips: Form 470 Filing Guide
Are you an E-rate eligible school or library preparing to file your Form 470? Don’t wait until the last minute! To help you out, here are some last-minute tips to ensure that your Form 470 is submitted correctly and on time. Learn how to navigate the E-rate filing process and maximize your potential savings with […]
Maximizing Resources: How K–12 Schools Can Adapt to Less Funding
The substantial federal support K–12 schools received through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) has officially come to an end. This shift presents challenges for school districts that have relied on these funds to advance educational technology, professional development, and classroom resources. As the 2024–2025 school year approaches, schools will need to […]
Unlock $200M in Funding for Your School with USAC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Schools and libraries have increasingly become prime targets for cybersecurity attacks. Malicious actors seek to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, and disrupt critical networks that provide essential broadband connectivity. To combat these threats, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. What is the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity […]
From E-rate to ESSA: Key Technology Grants Every Charter and Independent School Should Know
Navigating the complex landscape of technology funding is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes. With technology playing an integral role in modern education, securing the right grants can transform your school’s learning environment. Here, we’ll guide you through various funding sources that can empower your school with the latest technological advancements. Learning Technology Grant (LTG) The […]
6 Steps to Navigating the E-Rate Application Process
From Competitive Bidding to Invoicing The E-Rate program, established to bridge the digital divide in education, provides funding for eligible schools, libraries, and other institutions to acquire essential telecommunications and internet services. This program operates through a structured application process that encompasses six key steps: Competitive Bidding, Selecting a Service Provider, Applying for Discounts, Application […]
What is E-Rate? Everything You Need to Know
E-Rate, also known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, is a federal program in the United States that provides discounts on telecommunications and internet services to eligible schools and libraries. The program was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
FCC Proposes New Funding Initiative for K–12 Cybersecurity
The Federal Communications Commission’s chairwoman states that the program, valued at $200 million over three years, will operate independently from E-rate funding. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has recently unveiled a proposition for a pilot program spanning three years and amounting to $200 million. This initiative aims to provide funding for the integration of cybersecurity technologies […]