Raleigh, NC – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced that schools and libraries can apply for additional funding from the American Rescue Plan to increase broadband services now through October 13th. Local schools and libraries can learn more about eligibility and apply HERE.
North Carolina already applied for $149 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund during the first application filing period this summer. The FCC expects to grant up to the full request pending a final review of those applications. Now, due to high interest in the program and additional funding still available, the FCC has opened a second application filing window for North Carolina to request additional funds now through October 13th.
Funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Congresswoman Ross helped pass earlier this year.
“The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare how important reliable, high-speed internet access is to everyday life,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Unfortunately, millions of students lack quality broadband in their homes, preventing them from fully participating in remote learning and widening the ‘homework gap’. We simply cannot expect our students to succeed in a 21st century classroom without 21st century tools. That is why I am thrilled the FCC can now deploy this historic $7 billion investment to ensure that students in the Research Triangle and around the country can access dependable, affordable internet. I encourage schools and libraries that were unable to apply for funds during the first filing period to take advantage of the second filing window.”
Click here to learn more about the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund.
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