Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced that 25 schools and libraries in the Third District have received a total of $4,346,353 in American Rescue Plan funding through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). The program, which was created as part of the American Rescue Plan, helps schools and libraries ensure that students can connect to the internet at home, allowing them to take advantage of online learning and do their homework. 

“The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for internet access for students. This American Rescue Plan funding will ensure that every kid has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and help close the homework gap. I’m proud to have supported the creation of the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, which is providing students with access to the internet and the equipment needed to efficiently get their work done at home,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

Known as the “homework gap,” students who lack access to the internet at home often fall behind their peers as curriculums and educational opportunities rely more and more on the ability to conduct online research and connect to the web. To combat that issue, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which created the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. This new program provides funding to schools and libraries to help 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.

The schools and libraries in the Third Congressional District that have received funding from the FCC program include:

• Acton-Boxborough School District: $147,597.96
• Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School: $106,900.00
• Ayer Shirley School District: $358,000.00
• Central Catholic High School: $15,200.00
• Chelmsford Public Library: $3,690.00
• Chelmsford Public School Dist: $815,130.70
• Clinton School District: $72,417.00
• Collegiate Charter School Of Lowell: $90,500.00
• Dracut Public School: $110,051.20
• Fitchburg School District: $32,340.00
• Greater Lowell Reg Voc School: $163,410.00
• Groton-Dunstable Reg Sch Dist: $106,000.00
• Harvard Public Schools: $112,968.75
• Haverhill School District: $823,629.96
• Hill View Montessori Charter Public School: $88,335.00
• Innovation Academy Charter School: $35,710.00
• Lawrence Family Dev Chtr Sch: $158,000.00
• Lawrence Family Development Education Fund: $28,354.00
• Lowell Community Charter School: $62,623.68
• Lunenburg School District: $140,320.00
• Marlborough School District: $56,560.00
• Maynard Public School District: $55,600.00
• Methuen Public Schools: $532,475.80
• Nashoba Reg School District: $211,620.00
• Perkins Elementary School: $2,918.76

Last March, Congresswoman Trahan voted to pass the American Rescue Plan. The Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program was created through the American Rescue Plan. Since the program was created, it has allocated $7.17 billion to states across the country to invest in the success of students and their families.

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