Closing the Homework Gap: Federal Efforts to Support Access
In March of 2020, nearly 17 million children didn’t have home internet access and the pandemic only made the internet more important.
However, the federal government has stepped in and supported closing the digital divide:
Department of Education Activities
Digital Equity Education Roundtables (DEER)
National Education Technology Plan
Broadband Equity, Access and Development (BEAD) Program
- Planning for the deployment of high-speed Internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
- Deploying or upgrading Internet in unserved or underserved areas or improving service to community anchor organizations
- Installing Internet and Wi-Fi in multi-unit residential buildings
- Adoption and digital equity programs
- Workforce development programs and vocational training
Digital Equity Act
- Development of Digital Equity Plan; due 1 year after receipt of funds
- Funding is currently being disbursed to states
- Must include measurable objectives promoting digital literacy
- Must assess how measurable objectives will impact education
- Implement Digital Equity Plan
- Developing and implement digital inclusion activities
- Facilitating the adoption of broadband by underserved populations in order to provide educational and employment opportunities
- Making available equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware, and software, or digital network technology for broadband services to underserved populations at low or no cost
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
| Eligibility | Low-income students and families |
| Broadband Connectivity | Up to $30/month for low-income families Up to $75/month for low-income families on Tribal Lands |
| Connected Devices | 1 laptop, desktop, or tablet per household Up to $100 per device |
Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)
| Eligibility | All schools and libraries; priority for rural areas |
| Broadband Connectivity | “Reasonable costs for broadband connectivity” estimated at $10-$25/month |
| Connected Devices | 1 device laptop or tablet per student Co Up to $400 per device |
Want to Learn More?
Download our presentation that talks through the Homework Gap and federal activities to help.
