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 
• Social Media Toolkit 
• ECF Application Overview 

• Frequently Asked Questions 

Additionally, the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, 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 as well as an Outreach Toolkit (including social media assets) with a Sample Consent form and Template FRPL Verification Letter 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!