The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new $55 million funding round for its Emergency Connectivity Program (ECP) that can be used to support broadband technologies for off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, and summertime online learning programs to ensure students have the support needed to keep up with their education.
The latest round of funding will benefit roughly 115,000 students nationwide, including students in Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah. As part of its funding process, the ECP had three application windows to which schools and libraries may apply; the latest funding will go towards applications from the third window.
“As students head back to classrooms in the fall, we need to make sure they have the digital tools to prepare for success in the upcoming school year. That’s why we’re pleased to announce another round of funding to help close the Homework Gap,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
The FCC said in a statement that this funding will support approximately 130 schools and school districts, 12 libraries and library systems, and four consortia.
Since the Emergency Connectivity Program was launched in 2021, the FCC has approved approximately $6.8 billion in funding. To date, the funding has provided support to approximately 18 million students, 11,050 schools, 1,050 libraries, and 120 consortia, and provided nearly 13 million connected devices and over eight million broadband connections.
