Meng Announces Additional Funds for Local Schools to Provide Internet Access for Students

October 5, 2021
Press Release

After helping to secure money that included more than $192 million for New York City-Queens schools, Congresswoman announces second application period for more funding

QUEENS, NY – Approximately a week after announcing millions for Queens and New York City schools to increase internet access for students, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that an additional round of federal funding has been opened, and the Congresswoman encouraged local schools and libraries to seek money during this second application window which runs through October 13.
This new second round of funding – and the more than $192 million for New York City public schools and nearly $739,000 for some schools just in her district alone – is from money that Meng fought to secure earlier this year.
In March, she and U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) helped obtain $7.17 billion in E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Funds for schools and libraries across the country to provide Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, internet service and internet-enabled devices so that students could connect to the internet. The funding was included in the American Rescue Plan, the most recent COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Biden.
"Back in June, I encouraged area schools to seek funding when the application period for these funds first opened, and I again do so for this additional round of money," said Meng. "Whether in New York or anywhere in the country, no student should be without internet access at home. From remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic to completing schoolwork and assignments, an internet connection is essential for today's students to succeed in their studies. It is unacceptable that this lack of connectivity continues to be a huge obstacle to education in our country. Every student in America deserves to have the tools they need to succeed. Again, I strongly encourage local schools and libraries to apply for this funding that I fought hard to help secure."
Meng's announcement of funding from approximately a week ago (more than $192 million for New York City public schools and nearly $739,000 for some schools in her district) was the first wave of money that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocated under the Emergency Connectivity Fund program. This first wave included over $1.2 billion for more than 3,000 schools and libraries to connect over 3.6 million students to the internet.
In July, Meng, Markey and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) – along with other Senators and House Members – introduced the Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed (SUCCESS) Act to build on the success of securing funding. The money would extend the Emergency Connectivity Fund by providing $8 billion a year over five years -- for a total of $40 billion – to continue providing Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices to students following the COVID-19 crisis.
To apply and view additional details about the funding, go to https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org/.