• $7.1 billion managed through USAC's E-rate program
  
  
• Three windows of funding with the last closing on May 13, 2022
  
  
• Types of eligible equipment included:
  • Laptop and tablet computers
  • Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Modems (including air cards
  • Routers
  • Devices that combine a modem and router
• During the first two application filing windows, applicants could submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and up to a maximum of 12 months of services received between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.
  
  
• During the third application filing window, applicants could submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and up to a maximum of 12 months of services received between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
  
  

• While there are no new funding windows, schools and districts that have received funding commitments can submit Change Orders for equipment as well as for service providers.  

EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND (ECF)

• The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, also known as ESSER. Originally created under the CARES Act to assist schools with creating healthy learning environments, return students to classrooms, and address local needs.
  
  
• Due to the broad guidance of acceptable use of funds, studies have shown public school districts have spent ESSER funds on a wide array of initiatives: 
  • Increasing staff sizes
  • Building new or renovating current buildings
  • Providing stipends and bonuses to staff
  • Technology
  • Student mental health
• States receive ESSER funds based on their share of total Title I funding. Then, states allocate and distribute 90 percent of funds to districts based on each district's share of Title I formula.
  
  

• Three waves of funding:

  • ESSER I - $13.2 billion (funds expired 9/30/2022)

  • ESSER II - $54.3 billion (funds must be spent by 9/30/2023)

  • ESSER III - $122 billion (funds must be spent by 9/30/2024)

• Should be at the forefront of every education sales conversation

ESSER