In the News
Trahan announces $4.3 million in ARPA funding for schools and libraries
Washington,
March 18, 2022
Trahan announces $4.3 million in ARPA funding for schools and librariesBy Trea LaveryLOWELL — Twenty-five local schools and libraries will receive a combined $4.3 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Congresswoman Lori Trahan announced Friday. The funding is through the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund program, created as part of ARPA, which helps schools and libraries ensure that students can connect to the internet at home. “The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for internet access for students,” Trahan said. “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.” As education and curriculum rely more on the ability to conduct online research and connect to the internet for remote learning, officials said students who lack that access often fall behind their peers in a phenomenon known as the “homework gap.” The Emergency Connectivity Fund provides funding to schools and libraries to cover costs for the purchase of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity for off-campus use by students, staff and library patrons. Local schools and libraries receiving funding include:
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