E-Rate

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) provides affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries in the United States.

Funded at up to $2.25 billion annually, the Program provides discounts on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections. Application for funds requires allowing bidders from all over the country the opportunity to bid at providing services to the individual schools, districts and libraries.

The E-Rate program is a highly complex, deadline-sensitive application process, which can reap schools and libraries substantial savings on their technology and telecommunications investments.

Our E-Rate coordinator is Kristin Van Strien, 724-938-324 ext. 244. In addition to filing for E-Rate funding for the Intermediate Unit itself, the IU provides free workshops and assistance to schools that are applying for funding.

Workshops are normally held around the time of scheduling and deadline announcements from the SLD. Ms. Van Strien also maintains "open workshops" wherein applicants can come to the IU and have someone available to ask questions as they apply online.

If your School district does not have an E-Rate coordinator, IU1 would be pleased to provide this service for a fee. Please contact Ms. Van Strien for more information.

The state maintains a very informative website on E-Rate at http://www.e-ratepa.org.

If you would like more information on E-Rate and the Schools and Libraries Division you can find it at http://www.sl.universalservice.org.