FCC announces new resources and funding opportunities aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic

-
BlogDuring the week of August 23, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made updates to two temporary programs aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a second application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and creating new outreach materials for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.FCC announces new resources and funding opportunities aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Start of new school year prompts the FCC to update resources aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic
- County-owned libraries and county school districts may be able to apply for funds during new grant application window
- Counties can utilize outreach materials to connect low-income families with Emergency Broadband Benefit program
-
Blog
FCC announces new resources and funding opportunities aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the week of August 23, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made updates to two temporary programs aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a second application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and creating new outreach materials for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The actions come as the Delta variant threatens to push students and teachers across the country back to online instruction. Both the EBB and ECF represent an important bridge for schools, libraries and low-income households as counties and our federal partners work to implement long-term solutions to the homework gap.
First, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will open a second application period for the ECF program after receiving more than $5 billion in funding requests from schools and libraries during the program’s first application window. The new application period will continue to serve the 2021-2022 school year and will be open from September 28 to October 13. County-owned libraries and county school districts may be eligible to apply for the new round of funds.
Additionally, as students and teachers across the country prepare to go back to school, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a “Back to School” campaign, to promote uptake of the EBB program among eligible households. New materials include school posters, bookmarks, handouts and Pell Grant and school lunch and breakfast program specific flyers. Additional social media posts and images have also been added. The FCC hopes that universities and K-12 schools will use these items to notify their communities about this available resource. County leaders can access the full range of EBB promotional materials here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the digital divide impacting counties across the nation, with rural and low-income students in particular facing barriers to remote learning. Counties play a crucial role as policymakers, funders, data aggregators and partners in pursuing sustainable solutions to broadband access, affordability and reliability. While the county role in local public schools varies across the country, all counties share a tax base with local school boards and providing complementary services to local students. Further, counties do play a role in supporting and funding K-12 schools in five states: Alaska, Md., N.C., Va. and Tenn.
NACo urges Congress to establish permanent solutions to the homework gap and a permanent program to help low-income families afford internet service.
Additional Resources
- Broadband Task Force: High-Speed Internet Is Essential For All Counties
- FCC releases funding, starts broadband benefit program to aid schools, libraries, rural and low-income residents
During the week of August 23, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made updates to two temporary programs aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a second application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and creating new outreach materials for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.2021-08-26Blog2021-08-30
During the week of August 23, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made updates to two temporary programs aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a second application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and creating new outreach materials for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The actions come as the Delta variant threatens to push students and teachers across the country back to online instruction. Both the EBB and ECF represent an important bridge for schools, libraries and low-income households as counties and our federal partners work to implement long-term solutions to the homework gap.
First, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will open a second application period for the ECF program after receiving more than $5 billion in funding requests from schools and libraries during the program’s first application window. The new application period will continue to serve the 2021-2022 school year and will be open from September 28 to October 13. County-owned libraries and county school districts may be eligible to apply for the new round of funds.
Additionally, as students and teachers across the country prepare to go back to school, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a “Back to School” campaign, to promote uptake of the EBB program among eligible households. New materials include school posters, bookmarks, handouts and Pell Grant and school lunch and breakfast program specific flyers. Additional social media posts and images have also been added. The FCC hopes that universities and K-12 schools will use these items to notify their communities about this available resource. County leaders can access the full range of EBB promotional materials here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the digital divide impacting counties across the nation, with rural and low-income students in particular facing barriers to remote learning. Counties play a crucial role as policymakers, funders, data aggregators and partners in pursuing sustainable solutions to broadband access, affordability and reliability. While the county role in local public schools varies across the country, all counties share a tax base with local school boards and providing complementary services to local students. Further, counties do play a role in supporting and funding K-12 schools in five states: Alaska, Md., N.C., Va. and Tenn.
NACo urges Congress to establish permanent solutions to the homework gap and a permanent program to help low-income families afford internet service.
Additional Resources
- Broadband Task Force: High-Speed Internet Is Essential For All Counties
- FCC releases funding, starts broadband benefit program to aid schools, libraries, rural and low-income residents

About Rachel Mackey (Full Bio)
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services
Rachel serves as legislative director for human services and education.More from Rachel Mackey
-
County News
County reshapes justice system for women battling mental health issues
Problem: Too many women who needed mental health support were being incarcerated and left untreated. Solution: -
County News
Lack of mental health specialists limits treatment
NACo's Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing took counties' mental health findings and needs to the White House and Capitol Hill. -
County News
Counties invest opioid settlement funds to save lives
Opioid Solutions Leadership Network gathered for the first time in Granville and Vance counties, in North Carolina, to learn from experts, share their local strategies and observe the region’s opioid solutions in action. -
Blog
Changes enacted to federal immigration policies as Title 42 expires
On May 11, “Title 42”, a pandemic-era policy that allowed for the rapid expulsion of asylum seekers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ended. In anticipation of the end of Title 42, several changes to federal immigration processes have been made, which impact county governments. -
Press Release
National Association of Counties Releases Data on Mental Health Crisis
Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocates for Policy Solutions at White House, on Capitol Hill -
Webinar
Familiar Faces Initiative: Model Jurisdictions for Improving Outcomes through Coordinated Health and Justice Systems
May. 11, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:30 pmIn 2022, NACo relaunched the Familiar Faces Initiative during Mental Health Awareness Month to support counties and cities in better meeting the needs of their familiar faces—individuals with complex health and behavioral health conditions who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, emergency departments and other crisis service
-
Webinar
Prenatal-to-Three Peer Learning Network: How the Social Determinants of Health Impact Families and Children
June 13, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmNote: This convening will focus on strategies for rural and smaller suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for urban counties, please join the June 15 session.06132:00 pm<p><strong>Note: This convening will focus on strategies for rural and smaller suburban counties.
-
Webinar
Prenatal-to-Three Peer Learning Network: How the Social Determinants of Health Impact Families and Children
June 15, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmNote: This convening will focus on strategies for urban and larger suburban counties. To learn more about strategies for rural counties, please join the June 13 session.06152:00 pm<p><strong>Note: This convening will focus on strategies for urban and larger suburban counties.
-
Basic page
Human Services & Education Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
Contact
-
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
Related Posts
-
County NewsCounty reshapes justice system for women battling mental health issuesJun. 6, 2023
-
County NewsLack of mental health specialists limits treatmentJun. 5, 2023
-
County NewsCounties invest opioid settlement funds to save livesJun. 5, 2023
Related Resources
-
Press ReleaseNational Association of Counties Releases Data on Mental Health CrisisMay. 11, 2023
-
Reports & ToolkitsMental Health Awareness Month: County Participation ToolkitMar. 24, 2023
-
Reports & ToolkitsThe County Role In Long-Term CareFeb. 24, 2023
Related Events
-
13Jun2023Webinar
Prenatal-to-Three Peer Learning Network: How the Social Determinants of Health Impact Families and Children
Jun. 13, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
15Jun2023Webinar
Prenatal-to-Three Peer Learning Network: How the Social Determinants of Health Impact Families and Children
Jun. 15, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
More From
-
Legislative Analysis for Counties: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023
This analysis includes funding highlights for key programs impacting counties.
Learn More