Funding for schools and libraries is becoming more and more important as we look toward the future. The E-rate program was built to help close learning gaps, and make sure students, no matter where they are, have the tools and internet access they need to succeed. That success isn’t just about them. It’s about all of us. Their future is our future.
And here’s the thing: your voice as an E-rate applicant matters more than you may realize. You are the ones in the trenches, doing the work to keep your communities connected. The feedback and experiences you share, whether it’s gratitude or a need for change, help shape how this program can grow and continue to serve students, families, and communities better.
A lot of the feedback we’ve seen over the years highlights just how meaningful E-rate is. Here are just a few examples:
- “I’m grateful for the funding that E-rate provides so that we can better meet the needs of our patrons and community members. Thank you for your continued support of schools and libraries.”
- “This is a very valuable program, especially in rural communities. Please continue the good work you are doing!”
- “E-rate has been a godsend for our community. As budgets get squeezed, it is difficult to keep network equipment up-to-date.”
- “E-rate is vital to small, rural communities.”
This kind of feedback is powerful. It shows the real-world impact of how E-rate helps level the playing field and opens doors for students who might otherwise be left behind.
But applicants also share things that could be better. Which is just as valuable, because it helps push the program forward:
- “Our Library needs the E-rate program in order to afford the cost of quick internet… the timelines need to be changed. By the time funding is approved most projects can’t get started until the fall. The summer is the time we need to be able to do the work so there is no interruption of class time.”
- “WE NEED CYBERSECURITY FUNDING!!!!!”
- “Cybersecurity systems are a critical component to ensuring the reliability and security of our infrastructure… Education strongly lacks the funding and training to keep our districts safe. We strongly support the endeavor of the FCC and USAC to offer support where network security is concerned.”
- “The program has made internet access much more readily available and affordable to millions of students… hopefully it will continue to expand the eligible products and services.”
- “Thank you for making this service available. Without it, many public libraries would not be able to provide internet service for the public. Since filtering is required, it would be great if E-rate would help with funding.”
Themes like these—cybersecurity, timelines, filtering, system usability—come up a lot and they’re worth talking about! Even things that seem small, like how user-friendly the portals are, can make a huge difference in helping people access what they need.
So, as we move into another year, let this be a reminder: Your input matters. If we want real progress for students and communities, we have to be honest about the challenges and celebrate the wins. That’s how we make this program stronger and more effective.
What’s one thing you wish was different about the process? What’s something E-rate has helped you accomplish that felt impossible before? Share it. Speak up. Your voice could be exactly what’s needed to make this better for everyone.
Here’s to another year of growth, change, and better outcomes for students, schools, and libraries everywhere.
