EDMOND, Okla.— On June 6, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the Cybersecurity Pilot Program in Schools and Libraries. This three-year initiative aims to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of school and library broadband networks by providing up to $200 million in support from the Universal Service Fund. The program will fund advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity authentication, and monitoring systems, ensuring these critical institutions can better protect themselves against cyber threats.
In response Learning Funds issued the following statement from CEO John Harrington:
“This is a historic moment for schools and libraries across the country. The cybersecurity threats facing our educational institutions are significant. This pilot program represents a crucial step in providing the resources necessary to safeguard sensitive information and maintain secure, reliable access to digital learning tools.
Cybersecurity in education is not just about protecting data; it is about safeguarding our children's future and ensuring a safe and uninterrupted learning environment for all. We commend the FCC for recognizing the urgency of these issues and taking initial steps to address the cybersecurity concerns of E-rate applicants.
“Funds For Learning is dedicated to supporting the Commission’s commitment to improving the effectiveness of the E-rate program, ensuring our nation’s K-12 schools and public libraries have the strong protections needed against growing cyber threats.”
In funds for learning Annual E-rate Applicant Survey, over the past six years, more than 95% of respondents believe cybersecurity products and services should be eligible for E-rate support. In the 2023 survey, more than 100 applicants They shared their individual opinions on the need for cybersecurity.
Additional details about the Cybersecurity Pilot Program include:
- Fund Allocation: The program will allocate funds based on a budget per student and per library location, with school budgets set at $13.60 per student and library budgets at $15,000 per location.
- Application process: Participants will be selected through an application process modeled after the current E-rate system, ensuring a simplified and familiar procedure for applicants.
- Eligibility: Funding will be available for four general technology categories, including advanced and next-generation firewalls, endpoint protection, identity protection and authentication, and monitoring, detection and response.
- Total demand: It is estimated that the demand for the program could reach 823.4 million dollarshighlighting the important need for educational institutions to improve cybersecurity measures.
For more information about the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com/cybersecurity-pilot/.
About learning funds
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 by helping them navigate the application process to receive support for Internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To submit applicant comments 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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