Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
paloma.perez@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC OPENS THIRD FILING WINDOW FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND SUPPORT IN UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
Starting Today, Schools and Libraries Will Have 15 Days to Apply for Funding for Eligible Equipment and Services to Help Close the Homework Gap
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WASHINGTON, April 28, 2022—Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the opening of a third application filing window to award at least $1 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund support to help close the Homework Gap.  From April 28, 2022 until May 13, 2022, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.  Given past demand, the third application filing window will likely be the last opportunity for schools and libraries to request funding before available funds in the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund program are exhausted.

“As this school year comes to a close, I am pleased to announce that we are extending more help to connect schools and libraries for the next school year through the Emergency Connectivity Fund,” said Rosenworcel.  “This program has made significant progress in helping to close the Homework Gap, supporting more than 12.5 million students since it started in June 2021, and providing over 10 million connected devices and 5 million connections to thousands of schools and libraries.” 

Last week, the Commission announced the 13th wave of funding, supporting over 170 schools, 30 libraries, and 4 consortia across the country, including for students in Alaska, Indiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Texas.  Total commitments to date include over $4.79 billion for over 11,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 130 consortia.  The funding can be used to purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections to serve unmet needs for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

More details about the third window and which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).