North Penn School District Recipient Of Federal Grant From Emergency Connectivity Fund

LANSDALE, PA — The North Penn School District has been approved for a $164,946 grant in what is part of the first wave of funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a relief package created through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, according to the office of a local state legislator.

State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-53, announced late last week that the school district has been named a recipient of the funding, with $121,390 earmarked for equipment obligations and the remaining $43,000 scheduled to be spent on services.

The Emergency Connectivity Fund is considered to be the country's largest single effort to ensure students have continued access to digital services and resources they need for their education during an unprecedented time when remote learning was made necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malagari's office says the program will also help libraries offer their patrons Internet connectivity and digital devices to continue their at-home learning.

"Our schools, specifically our teachers, staff and students, did a remarkable job adapting to unprecedented circumstances and conditions since March 2020," Malagari said in a statement. "It's rewarding to see North Penn School District approved for a grant since it found a way to make off-site learning work during very trying times — and for that it should be applauded."

Malagari reminded schools that the second application window for the funding program is now open and that applications will continue to be accepted through Oct. 13. Eligible schools and libraries are able to submit requests for funding to buy eligible equipment needed for remote learning.

Malagari's colleague, fellow State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, who also represents parts of Montgomery County, commended North Penn staff and students for making remote learning work during the most "difficult days of the pandemic.

"I'm glad to see the district receive funding to help offset the financial costs of keeping our children learning in a safe environment," Hanbidge said in a statement.

Hanbidge is a Democrat who represents the 61st Legislative District.

According to Malagari's office, the Emergency Connectivity Fund is a $7.17 billion program that is designed to help schools and libraries provide tools and services during the COVID-19 emergency period.