COVID-19 Broadband Resources: Schools & Libraries

Colorado Broadband Office News
Return to the COVID-19 Broadband Resources Home Page

Find up-to-date resources for schools at the Colorado Department of Education COVID-19 Resources for Schools page.

Technology Resources

Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Coronavirus page: Coronavirus (COVID-19) EdTech Guidance

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has compiled resources here: www.LearningKeepsGoing.org 

FCC Public Notice (03/23/2020): Community Use of E-Rate-Supported Wi-Fi is Permitted During Closures

Remote Learning Resources

State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA): eLearning Coalition

Colorado Department of Education: Learning at Home

Digital Bridge K-12 Initiative (EducationSuperHighway):

As schools close their doors and classrooms move online, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed already critical “homework gaps” in our communities. To support school district administrators in planning and implementing home-access programs, EducationSuperHighway has launched a toolkit through the Digital Bridge K-12 Initiative. As a non-profit, all tools and resources are offered at no cost.

Visit the Homework Gap Toolkit

In this toolkit, you can find: 

    • Connectivity Essentials to help you research Internet and device options.
    • How-to guides to support you with implementing home-access programs. 
    • Lookup tools to assist you with researching local provider options.

Funding Opportunities

USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program

Funding Available: $72 Million in Application Window 2
Application Deadline: July 13, 2020
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants

The USDA opened a second application window for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. This window includes an additional $25 million appropriated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds not awarded in round one will be rolled over into round two.

The USDA will hold a webinar on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 2 p.m. EDT to update participants on the changes in the program, review eligibility and regulatory requirements, and provide guidance on how to submit a successful application.

Important links:

E-rate 

E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries.

COVID-19 Related Updates

Visit the FCC website for up-to-date information and news on the E-rate program.

Institute of Museum and Libraries (IMLS) Grants

Funding Available: $50 Million
Application Deadline: multiple deadlines
Website: https://www.imls.gov/news/imls-authorizes-new-grant-flexibilities-libraries-museums

The CARES Act appropriated $50M in coronavirus response funding for the Institute of Museum and Libraries (IMLS). On April 6 the IMLS Authorized New Grant Flexibilities for Libraries, Museums. Grant funds can be used to address immediate needs and extend timelines for work to accommodate the disruption caused by coronavirus. Examples include continuing to employ staff, modifying project activities to align with social distancing requirements, and covering basic costs necessary to resume work once the emergency has passed.

News: