The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) committed more than $266 million for two additional rounds of support through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) as part of the bipartisan American Rescue Plan Act. The ECF has $7.17 billion in funds for schools and libraries to help close the "homework gap," which refers to the disparity of broadband access for children working on school assignments at home. 

“In too many communities, kids are still struggling to get the internet and devices they need to connect with teachers and do their homework,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in the announcement. “We have to fix this. This program is helping and I’m proud of the progress we are making to close the homework gap.”

The FCC stated that almost $5.6 billion in funding has been committed toward mending this disparity. 

The third application filing window closed on May 13. The FCC received more than $2.8 billion in requested to fund 5.1 million connected devices and 4.3 million broadband connections.   

Schools and libraries may apply individually or as a consortium. Eligibility is based through the FCC’s E-Rate Program criterion, which states “discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and whether the school or library is located in an urban or rural area,” with discounts ranging from 20% to 90% of eligible service costs. Tribal libraries may also apply for support under the Library Services and Technology Act.    

Eligible schools and libraries can use funding for “laptop and tablet computers; WiFi hot spots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons,” the FCC stated. 

The program also shared that in “limited instances, a school or library that can demonstrate it has no available service options sufficient to support remote learning may seek funding for the construction of new networks to provide remote learning and the equipment needed for data-casting services.”

Over the upcoming school year, the first two application windows will receive $12 million from this additional funding for approximately 15 schools, 2 libraries, and 1 consortium. The remaining $254 million will fund the third application window supporting more than 400 schools, 45 libraries, and 15 consortia. The additional funding will support applicants from all three windows including one million students across Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. 

“To date, the program has helped over 12.8 million students, supporting approximately 10,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 100 consortia, and providing over 11 million connected devices and nearly 7 million broadband connections,” the FCC stated. “Of the nearly $5.6 billion funding commitments approved to date, approximately $4.1 billion is supporting applications from Window 1; $826 million from Window 2; and $656 million from Window 3.”