Act 183 of 2004 created several opportunities for school entities to promote and accelerate broadband deployment. As part of the law, an annual $10 million E-Fund was established to assist schools with purchasing services, hardware, technical assistance and distance education over the next six years. A competitive grant program for school entities, in accordance with legislation, will be established by PDE to award the funds. Additionally, to help speed broadband deployment to Pennsylvania's schools, discounted rates provided by incumbent carriers will be offered to school entities. A copy of the full text of the law is available at: House Bill 30.
The e-Fund School Grant program will set forth application guidelines that are scheduled to be released in June 2007. As stated in the law, each applicant school entity will be required to provide 100% matching funds to support its E-Fund grant request. Discounts received from SLD/USAC (E-rate) can be applied toward the matching fund requirement as can in-kind and other technology related expenses.
The prescribed manner and form of the grant applications will be through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s e-Grant system. Through the e-Grant system, applicants will be able to access grant guidelines, the application template, and the scoring rubric on which the programs will be reviewed.
Documents:
10-11 Act 183 Grant Guidelines (PDF)
10-11 Act 183 eGrant Application
10-11 Act 183 Technology Survey (Excel)
10-11 Act 183 Webinars:
- August 18, 1 PM TOPIC: E-Fund New Guidelines and the application process
- August 25, 1 PM TOPIC: eRate and E-Fund
- September 1, 1 PM TOPIC: Previously Awarded E-Fund Continuation Applicants
E-Fund Submission and Review Process Schedule
| August 12, 2010 |
Grant Guidelines Issued |
| August 12, 2010 |
Online eGrant Application Opens |
| October 29, 2010 2:00pm EST |
Completed online eGrant Applications are due to the De |
