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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund - E-Rate Program
The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program, or the E-rate program, helps schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband. Eligible schools, school districts, and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
Funding may be requested under two categories of service: category one services to a school or library (telecommunications, telecommunications services, and internet access), and category two services that deliver internet access within schools and libraries (internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services).
Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and whether the school or library is located in an urban or rural area. The discounts range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services.
USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine Program
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.
For example, this program can link teachers and medical service providers in one area to students and patients in another.
Awards can range from $50,000 to $1,000,000, and funds may be used for audio, video, and interactive video equipment; computer hardware, network components, and software; acquisition of instructional programming; acquisition of technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment; and broadband facilities that support distant learning or telemedicine.
View Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
Recent Award in our Texas
In October 2020, Navarro College was awarded a $132,800 grant to involve three strategies to improve distance learning for the residents in rural communities located in five counties.
Strategies include implementing video conferencing for dual credit students at rural high schools, establishing the Navarro College Mexia Campus as a hub for rural students to participate in distance learning programs, and installing a laptop kiosk at the Mexia State Supported Living Center to increase access for employees of the facility to Navarro College courses and programs
Read of more DLT awards in Texas.
Strategic Considerations for Applications
Federal grant and subsidy programs always promote and advise potential applicants to take a partnership approach to expand the potential reach and likelihood of success for implementing projects and grant funds. Below are a list of potential partners to support developing an application:
- Strategic or Support Services
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Local Government leaders & officials in the Houston Galveston Region
NTIA Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
In the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was allocated $285 million for a pilot program to help students and communities in underserved areas connect to the internet through affordable broadband service.
This program is likely to open in Q2-Q3 of 2021.