A new federal fund providing internet connectivity equipment could help improve access for Greenbrier County Schools (GCS) if enough parents and staff provide the school system with information.
On June 29, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced $7.17 billion from the Emergency Connectivity Fund would be made available to schools and libraries.
The fund was created by the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The applications could provide money to Greenbrier County for laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections to serve unmet needs for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.
“Internet connection provides students valuable learning opportunities, and Greenbrier County Schools is delighted to support our community and families through the Emergency Connectivity Fund,” said Greenbrier County Superintendent of Schools Jeff Bryant. “GCS will be submitting an application for Internet connection and service for one year for eligible families. This application will be based on parent and staff response to a survey. … We encourage all families to fill out the survey whether they have Internet or not, because funds may be awarded to those with inadequate and/or no service, as well as those who struggle to pay for Internet.”
To help the school system collect the data it needs for the application, go to greenbriercountyschools.org and click “Click here to complete the survey to apply for FREE INTERNET” on the top of the page.
“Congratulations! Greenbrier County School students may now qualify for FREE Internet (or assistance in getting connected to the Internet) for one year,” reads the survey. “While this funding does not come from Greenbrier County Schools, the Federal Communications Commission has asked school districts to gather information to assist families. Please fill out this survey to help determine if you are eligible. Financial need and/or lack of service in your area can help determine eligibility.”
From June 29 to August 13, applications to the FCC will be available for eligible schools and libraries that can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services for the 2021-22 school year.
“Every family with a student in Greenbrier County Schools is eligible to apply based on federal guidelines,” reads the GSC press release. “Students may qualify if they do not live in an area currently served by Internet providers, if the connection they currently have is not sufficient, or if they have financial need and struggle to pay for Internet service. Greenbrier County Schools will apply on behalf of families, but the FCC will determine who is eligible and what will be awarded. All GCS families and staff need to do at this time is fill out the survey.”
According to the FCC’s press release, the “Universal Service Administrative Company will serve as the program’s administrator with FCC oversight” on the federal level, and the fund “leverages the processes and structures used in the E-Rate program for the benefit of schools and libraries already familiar with the E-Rate program.”
More information about the program at www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org. GSC also noted parents, guardians, and potential applicants could “please direct questions to the GCS Technology Department at 304-647-6484 or the Board of Education main office at 304-647-6470.”
Locally, the Greenbrier County Broadband Council is also conducting mapping of the area’s internet access writ large. To help them acquire this data, take the survey located on greenbriercounty.net by clicking “take survey” under Greenbrier County Broadband Survey.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.