Bonamici Announces First Round of Technology Funding for NW Oregon Schools
Statement
BEAVERTON, or [9/29/21] - Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced that the Federal Communications Commission is awarding $28.9 million in funding to Oregon schools and libraries for broadband connectivity and devices to support educational needs.
"The digital divide is holding students and workers back from achieving their full potential," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "The pandemic exacerbated gaps in access to broadband and technology that are inconsistent with the goal of equal access and opportunity. This program is an important part of the American Rescue Plan that I was pleased to help pass. It's wonderful to see these federal funds go to school districts in NW Oregon so they can help all students participate and succeed, regardless of their family's income or where they live."
These schools and districts in NW Oregon will receive $20.2 million in total:
Jewell School, $7,081
Warrenton-Hammond School District, $123,005
Beaverton School District, $1.28 million
Sherwood School District, $1.26 million
Forest Grove Community School, $15,154
Clatskanie School District, $65,100
St. Helens School District, $313,989
McMinnville School District, $407,586
Newberg School District, $447,869
NW Regional Education Service District, $52,465
Portland Public Schools, $16.3 million
A second application filing window opened on September 28 and will close on October 13. It will provide funding for eligible equipment and services received or delivered between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. The funding is available for the purchase of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons in need, and is available to support off-campus learning, such as homework and virtual learning as schools continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nationwide, the Federal Communications Commission is committing more than $1.2 billion for 3,040 schools, 260 libraries, and 24 consortia that applied for support from the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program.
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