The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) provides discounts to help most schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under FCC direction, the program was established by the 1996 Telecommunications Act to help eligible schools, school districts, and libraries apply individually or as consortiums for funding support ranging from 20% to 90% depending on poverty levels and rurality.

1. The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund(E-Rate) StephanieChavez-Mesquite ISD

3. It provides discounts to help most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.

4. Was part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

5. The National Education Technology Plan 2010 (NETP) urges schools to hold accountablity on progress.

6. The plan knows that technology is in the forefront almost every part of life and work. http://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx

8. The urban/rural status of the population served and range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services.

9. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.

10. There is a process to follow in order to beeligible for thisfund. The flowchartexplains the processfrom application to contract

11. http://www.usac.org/_res/documents/sl/pdf/application-process-flow-chart.pdfhttp://www.usac.org/sl/about/overview-program.aspx