What Is E-Rate Funding and How Does It Help Libraries?

The internet has become an indispensable tool for many.

It allows people to access a trove of information on almost every subject imaginable and provides them with quick and easy methods of communication. For schools and libraries, the internet is the easiest way for students and patrons to do the most up-to-date research on the topics they’re studying.

However, internet services and the technologies that support them can be expensive, especially for smaller schools and libraries that lack significant funding. How can they afford critical technologies like broadband internet, especially when they serve such large populations, which drives up the cost? The answer: They rely on a little-known government program called E-Rate.

Take action today to support libraries!

What Is E-Rate?

E-Rate, also known as the Schools and Libraries Program, was first established by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. It’s administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The program gives eligible schools and libraries discounts for purchasing telecommunications-related technology and services, such as broadband internet and the internal connections technology needed to deliver it.

The discounts offered by E-Rate are based on economic need, with rural schools and libraries often being eligible for a higher discount. After enrolling in the program, schools and libraries identify what services they need. Then, through a competitive bidding process, they select the most cost-effective vendor to provide those services.

Once approved, they receive reimbursements to fund their purchase. While schools and libraries do have to pay a portion of the service costs, they receive discounts ranging from as low as 20 percent to as high as 90 percent.

The technologies and services purchased by organizations must meet specific eligibility requirements, but under special circumstances, such as natural disasters, those requirements can be changed or delayed to aid affected schools and libraries.

For instance, after the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, certain deadlines and bookkeeping requirements were suspended. The government also allowed increased flexibility for service and equipment substitutions so that organizations could use E-Rate funding to replace damaged products.

Sign the petition to show that Americans love their libraries!

How Many Organizations Use E-Rate?

The exact number of institutions using E-Rate varies at any given time, but there is an online search tool anyone can use to find out if a particular organization in their community is using the program. Currently, there are 164,615 schools, 24,262 school districts, and 1,036 school consortia using the program, as well as 22,637 individual libraries and 2,038 library systems. An additional 23,894 noninstructional facilities also use E-Rate.

In 1996, before the E-Rate program was created, only 14 percent of schools had access to the internet. Today, that number is well over 90 percent, including public and private schools from elementary through high school. Thanks to E-Rate, millions of students, teachers, and library patrons now have reliable and affordable internet access.

Sign the pledge to vote for libraries!

How Can People Support the E-Rate Program?

According to Beverly Sutherland, an E-Rate expert and founder of EdTechnologyFunds, E-Rate funding is crucial for schools and libraries to have the resources necessary to provide broadband connectivity so that students and patrons can access important educational information and opportunities.

However, continued funding for the program is not guaranteed, as recent legal challenges threaten E-Rate’s existence. Sutherland says that ordinary citizens can show their support to prove how valuable the program is to local communities. She shared with EveryLibrary a number of ways anyone can become involved in advocating for the continued funding of the E-Rate program:

• Educational Outreach. An important first step is to inform your community about the benefits of E-Rate funding. You can spread the word through community meetings, school board discussions, or even social media campaigns.
• Advocacy. Contact your local representatives and senators to express support for E-Rate funding. You can write letters or emails or even set up meetings to discuss the importance of continuing the E-Rate program.
• Public Comments. The FCC oversees the E-Rate program and sometimes seeks the public’s input on policies. During these public comment periods, you can submit detailed comments describing how important E-Rate is. This will show the FCC that there is strong public support for broadband access in educational environments.
• Support Local Schools and Libraries. If you want to take your support to the next level, get involved in your local school or library boards. These organizations work directly with E-Rate funding, and your involvement can help ensure they apply for the program and use the funds effectively.
• Partner with Educational Nonprofits. You can also collaborate with or support nonprofit organizations that work directly with the E-Rate program or advocate for its expansion and continued support. EveryLibrary is one of those advocates, as is the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition.
• Educational Workshops and Seminars. Another great option for showing your support is to participate in community workshops designed to teach people about the E-Rate program and its benefits. If you can’t find a workshop in your area, try organizing one yourself. You can provide information about how people can support applications for funding within local schools and libraries, getting community members more involved in the process and increasing their support for the program.
• Media Engagement. Last but not least, reach out to the media to spread awareness. You can write op-eds, letters to the editor, or other articles for local newspapers and magazines explaining how crucial it is to maintain E-Rate funding. Be sure to highlight the program's success stories and its impact on your community. The more people become aware of how vital E-Rate is to education, the more support for it will grow.