Rep. Neguse Announces $1,166,690 to Close the Homework Gap, Expand High-Speed Internet Opportunities for Larimer, Clear Creek County Students
Funding through the American Rescue Plan to be awarded to the Thompson School District, Poudre School District and Clear Creek County Library District
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that the Second Congressional District has received $1,166,690 from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF) to expand high-speed internet access for Colorado students. Created as part of the American Rescue Plan, the ECF Program helps schools and libraries ensure that students can connect to the Internet at home, allowing them to take advantage of online learning and do their homework.
“The COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing inequities in education and access to rural broadband, as kids across the country without home internet access were left behind as school shifted towards remote learning, depriving them of critical educational opportunities,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, this funding will help level the playing field so that students across the Second District can stay connected, get their work done, and enjoy a quality education. All students deserve equitable access to the tools they need to thrive in school, and I’m proud to have supported this program in Congress.”
Known as the “homework gap,” students who lack access to the internet at home often fall behind their peers as curricula and educational opportunities rely more and more on the ability to conduct online research and connect to the web. To this end, the ECF Program helps cover the costs of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators, school staff, and library patrons.
According to the FCC, the $7.17 billion program has provided Colorado with $44,430,137 in total funding to date. Moreover, the schools and libraries in the Second District that have received funding from this program include:
- Thompson School District R-2J – $520,832.50
- Poudre School District R-1 – $351,426.60
- Clear Creek County Library District – $31,735