Passing along the following information...

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Dear colleagues,



Yesterday, the FCC opened the second application filing window for the
Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. Under the ECF Program, eligible
schools and libraries can apply for financial support to purchase connected
devices like laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and
broadband connectivity to serve the unmet needs of students, school staff,
and library patrons at home during the COVID-19 emergency period.



The second window will remain open until October 13. During this new
application filing window, eligible schools, libraries, and consortia of
eligible schools and libraries will be able to submit requests for funding
to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2021 and June
30, 2022.



Please use the resources below to help us share the word with schools and
districts and encourage them to apply:

   - Second Window Announcement
   <https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-opens-second-filing-window-emergency-connectivity-fund>

   - Social Media Toolkit
   <https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund-social-media-images>
   - ECF Application Overview
   <https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/ecf_how_to_apply_overview_guide.pdf>



   - Frequently Asked Questions
   <https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund-faqs>



Additionally, the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
<https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit>, a temporary federal program that
launched on May 12, 2021 to help eligible households pay for internet
service during the pandemic, is still accepting applications. As trusted
community members, schools and districts are encouraged to engage in
outreach to eligible families.



The Department worked with the FCC to develop an FAQ for K-12 schools and
districts
<https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/K12-Letter-FAQs-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf> as
well as an Outreach Toolkit
<https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/K12-Outreach-Toolkit-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf>
(including
social media assets) with a Sample Consent form
<https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/Sample-Consent-Form-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf>
 and Template FRPL Verification Letter
<https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/Template-FRPL-Verification-Letter-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf>
in
several languages. All materials are now available on the OET website:
https://tech.ed.gov/broadband/ebb/. Please help us share
these EBB-related resources with schools and districts in your network.



Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!





[image: ED Seal]







Ji Soo Song



*Broadband Advisor*



Office of Educational Technology



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-------------------------

Gary Lanoie, Executive Director
ACTEM - The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine
P.O. Box 187, Gorham, ME 04038
Phone: (207) 222-4353    FAX:  (207) 222-2057     Email:  [log in to unmask]
*SAVE THE DATE * *• * *ACTEM 2021 Fall Conference  **•  Oct. 14-15, 2021*