07/07/2021
On May 10, 2021, the FCC unanimously adopted a Report and
Order as part of the $7.17 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan
Act of 2021. It provides fund for schools and libraries for the “reasonable costs
of eligible equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers,
and library patrons who lack connected devices, such as laptop or tablet
computers, and/or lack broadband access during the pandemic.”
The program is open to public, private and tribal schools and libraries, although
college libraries that are school funded are only eligible as school entities.
These funds can be used to purchase a wide variety of
equipment, including laptops, tablets, WiFi hotspots, modems, routers, and more.
The idea is to help schools and libraries ensure their students, teachers, and
patrons have internet connectivity for online learning and other resources. The
funds must be used for purchases made and paid for between July 1, 2021, and
June 30, 2022.
There are restrictions, which can be found at the
application website. The application window is open through August 13. You can find all the details and the application here.