Funds For Learning Launches 14th Annual E-rate Survey: Shaping the Future of Connectivity

EDMOND, Okla., April 15, 2024 — Funds For Learning, the leading E-rate compliance services firm for schools nationwide, announces the launch of its 14th annual E-rate survey. The survey enables applicants to provide confidential feedback about essential aspects of the federal E-rate program, which can help shape its future direction. Funds For Learning submits responses directly to the FCC. E-rate applicants are encouraged to submit their anonymous feedback by June 30, 2024.

“The E-rate survey is not just an opportunity to share experiences, but a chance for applicants to shape the future of educational technology,” said Cathy Cruzan, President at Funds For Learning.  “By providing feedback, participants actively influence policies that impact connectivity and learning opportunities for students nationwide. The FCC has highlighted the need for improvements, and this survey empowers stakeholders to shape the future of connectivity, ensuring that the program remains responsive and effective.”

Trends in Focus: Funds For Learning has customized its 2024 survey to cater to stakeholders’ needs in response to pressing issues like cybersecurity and the homework gap.

• Cybersecurity is a significant concern for E-rate stakeholders, especially as educational institutions adopt new technology initiatives into their curricula. The FCC has proposed a $200 million pilot program over three years to finance advanced cybersecurity products and services for schools and libraries. The pilot aims to gather data on applicants’ cybersecurity needs and associated costs to help guide potential rule changes in the future.
• Late last year, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to make off-campus Wi-Fi hotspot services eligible for E-rate program discounts. This proposal received over 60 comments, with mixed support for integrating hotspot services into the E-rate program. Funds For Learning projects that such an integration could raise E-rate fund demand by 6.67 percent, roughly $198 million. Nonetheless, it argues that this improvement would boost remote learning capabilities and support the FCC’s commitment to educational equality while keeping E-rate funding within its $4.456 billion cap.

Last year, more than 2,100 applicants shared their opinions, highlighting the significance of collective input in shaping the future of educational technology through initiatives like the E-rate program. Key findings from the 2023 report include:

• 93% of applicants agreed that the E-rate program should provide support for comprehensive network security solutions.
• 88% of respondents acknowledged that the E-rate program facilitated faster Internet connections in education sites, with 86% reporting increased connectivity for students and library patrons.
• Insufficient internet access in the homes of students or library patrons is a significant issue in the communities of 74% of respondents. The report emphasized the need for equitable access to the internet, especially for off-campus use, to bridge the homework gap and ensure continuity of learning.
• Click here for the entire 2023 E-rate Trends Report.

The E-rate program has seen a significant overhaul in regulatory and procedural shifts throughout the 14-year history of the survey.  E-rate stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the 2024 survey to influence the program’s direction and advocate for their needs. By voicing their opinions and sharing insights, applicants play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity and educational technology.

The survey will remain open until June 30, 2024.  The results will be compiled into the annual E-rate Trends Report, submitted to the FCC, circulated to Congress and the media, and shared with the general public.

The 2024 E-rate Applicant Survey can be found here.

To learn more about Funds For Learning, visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com/.

About Funds For Learning

Funds For Learning, LLC, is a compliance firm specializing in the federal E-rate funding program for schools and libraries. Funds For Learning supports E-rate stakeholders in all 50 states, helping them navigate the application process to receive support for internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To deliver applicant feedback to the Federal Communications Commission and Congress, Funds For Learning coordinates the annual E-Rate Trends Report. For more information, please visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com.

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Media Contact: madison.lee@finnpartners.com

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