Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined community leaders at Parker Middle School to highlight critical American Rescue Plan funding for Chelmsford Public Schools. The group led a discussion on the funds and their impact, followed by a brief Q&A with Chelmsford history and civics students.

“Through legislation like the American Rescue Plan, we created programs to help school districts cover the costs of unique and expensive programs designed to keep kids learning and close the homework gap — programs like the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I’m proud that this new program has delivered so mightily for Chelmsford Public Schools and for schools across the Third District, and I look forward to continuing my work with community leaders to secure even more funding to further support students in the Third District and beyond.”

The $815,130 in funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan’s Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF), enabled Chelmsford Public Schools to purchase and distribute 2,200 Chromebooks to middle and high school students, ensuring students have the tools necessary to get online and complete their schoolwork from home.

“The pandemic has shown just how critical access to the internet and necessary technology is for students,” said Chelmsford Public Schools Superintendent Jay Lang. “The funding secured by Congresswoman Trahan through the American Rescue Plan enabled us to meet this urgent need by purchasing and distributing 2,200 Chromebooks to Chelmsford students, which will help students in their education for years to come.  We’re grateful for the Congresswoman’s continued partnership and support and look forward to our ongoing work together to ensure that every student in Chelmsford has access to the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.”

“This is the latest example of Congresswoman Trahan’s ongoing assistance to the Town of Chelmsford during the pandemic,” said Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen. “The funding will ensure that all Chelmsford students will have the ability to access the internet with a computer. This will help fulfill the Town’s educational responsibilities, which includes the preparation of our youth for the digital world of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to this funding for Chelmsford students, Trahan secured a total of $4,346,35 from the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program for 25 schools and libraries across the Third District. This support will help Third District schools and libraries 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.

Last March, Congresswoman Trahan voted to pass the American Rescue Plan, through which the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program was created. Since the program’s creation, it has allocated $7.17 billion to states across the country to invest in students’ success.

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