E-Rate Made Simple: Funding Connectivity for Your School Community

Every classroom deserves reliable, high-speed internet—but for many schools, the cost of staying connected can be a challenge. The E-Rate Program, a federal initiative administered by the FCC, helps schools dramatically reduce expenses for internet access, Wi-Fi networks, and related technology infrastructure. Yet despite its benefits, E-Rate can feel complicated or out of reach for many educators and school leaders. This session will make it clear and actionable. Join Ben Sniecinski, President of E-Rate Advantage, for a practical overview of how your school can take advantage of this powerful funding source.

You’ll learn:

– What E-Rate is and why it matters for charter schools

– How to plan for technology upgrades using E-Rate funds

– Step-by-step guidance for completing the application (even if you’re new)

– Tips for budgeting and tracking Category 1 & 2 services

– How to navigate your school’s setup in the E-Rate EPC portal

Understanding E-Rate isn’t just for IT teams—it’s a must for school leaders, administrators, and teachers who want to ensure every student has access to the tools they need to learn and thrive.