The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Oct. 28 announced the launch of its Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP), which builds on the agency’s Tribal Libraries Pilot Program and will give Tribal libraries the chance to sign up for one-on-one assistance to start learning about and working on the E-Rate application process.
“Libraries are an important source for Internet access, which is especially true on Tribal lands, where access can be very limited and residents lack the tools needed at home to connect,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
“We want to do everything possible to make sure Tribal communities have full access to the digital age, and this advocacy program will provide direct support to these groups as they navigate the E-Rate application process,” she said.
The E-Rate program helps schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband services and needed devices.
The FCC said T-LEAP will build on the Tribal Libraries Pilot Program, which provided one-on-one assistance on the application process for the full lifecycle of the E-Rate program during funding years 2023 and 2024. For both of the funding years, Tribal library applicants receiving assistance in applying to E-Rate through the Pilot Program collectively received over $100,000 in funding commitments.
The commission also noted that T-LEAP will apply the existing framework of the Pilot Program, including assigning Tribal Library Advocates through the Universal Service Administrative Company. Unlike the pilot program, applicants will be able to sign up for assistance year-round.
When soliciting feedback from pilot participants, the FCC learned that the advocates played a huge role in demystifying the E-Rate processes and providing support from start to finish. The FCC also noted that Tribal library specific trainings will be held throughout the year to align with the timing of E-Rate program deadlines.
