Pallone Announces Federal Remote Learning Fund

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced on June 29 that the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application period has begun, urging local schools and libraries to apply for funding to help students, teachers, and library patrons get the tools they need to connect to the Internet from home. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that the application window would last until August 13.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund is a program that provides funding for schools and libraries to provide communities with remote learning. The $7.17 billion program was authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which Pallone helped pass in the House, and President Biden signed into law in March.

For eligible schools and libraries, the ECF Program will cover costs of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

“With nearly 17 million children across the country without Internet access, many students are being locked out of the virtual classroom. I helped authorize the Emergency Connectivity Fund because this program will help get broadband service and devices into the hands of the students, teachers, and library patrons who need them,” Pallone said in a statement.

“I strongly encourage any schools and libraries in New Jersey whose students or patrons may be struggling to access remote learning to see if they qualify for this new program and apply now. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the transition to virtual learning, but it will remain a crucial tool for parents and teachers alike long after the pandemic is over. I will continue to work to ensure that access to broadband and technology is no longer a barrier to learning for any student.”