May 13 is Deadline for Schools and Libraries to Apply for Additional Support for the Upcoming School Year
Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that schools and libraries in New Jersey will receive $2,091,451 million from the latest rounds of funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). To date, schools and libraries in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District have now received over $12 million, and New Jersey has received over $124 million from the Fund in total.
“I’m glad that essential funding for our schools and libraries is coming to New Jersey to help every student and teacher stay connected to the classroom. In creating the Emergency Connectivity Fund with my colleagues, we focused the program on helping to get broadband service and devices into the hands of the students who need them,” Pallone said. “This crucial funding will help students do their homework, conduct research, and complete at-home projects long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. I encourage schools and libraries to apply for more funding to ensure students and teachers have internet access for the upcoming school year.”
May 13 is the last day for schools and libraries to apply for support to purchase eligible equipment and services for the 2022-2023 school year. This window likely will be the last opportunity for schools and libraries to request funding before available funds in the Emergency Connectivity Fund program are exhausted. A link to information on how to apply is available here: https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org/
The ECF provides funding to help students get the tools they need to connect to the internet from home – crucial resources as approximately 16 million children nationwide lack home internet access, hindering their ability to learn and do homework at home. Funding can be used to purchase modems, devices like laptops and tablets, broadband service, and more. The $7.17 billion ECF program was spearheaded by Pallone’s Energy and Commerce Committee and authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
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