As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we reflect on the things we’re grateful for. For many educators, students, and library patrons in underserved communities, one source of immense gratitude comes from a little-known program that’s making a big difference: E-rate. The E-rate program has been instrumental in ensuring that schools and libraries, especially in rural and low-income areas, have access to the critical internet services and technology needed to transform education. Let’s hear directly from those who benefit most.

How E-rate improved student access to digital resources in St. Ignace, Michigan

In rural Michigan, one of the biggest challenges faced by students was the lack of reliable internet access at home. For students in the St. Ignace Area Schools district, the E-rate program was a lifeline. By securing funding through E-rate, the district was able to upgrade its internet infrastructure, ensuring that students could access digital resources at school and from home. As one student shared, “Having reliable internet at school means I can finish my assignments on time and explore topics that weren’t available before. It’s like having a whole new world opened up for me.”

Thanks to the support provided by the E-rate program, students in St. Ignace now have better access to STEM learning, online coursework, and digital libraries, leveling the playing field for rural students who once faced the “homework gap”​ (eSchool News).

Transforming special education in California

In California, the impact of E-rate funding on special education has been profound. The East Side Union High School District in San Jose was able to use E-rate funds to enhance its special education programs by providing reliable internet and access to assistive technologies. These resources are critical for students with disabilities, offering tailored learning experiences that were previously out of reach.

One teacher shared, “E-rate funding has helped us equip our classrooms with tools like speech-to-text software and interactive educational apps. These tools have transformed the way my students engage with learning. It’s not just about having a computer—it’s about having the right tools that make a difference for each individual student.”

The success of East Side Union serves as a powerful reminder of how the E-rate program can foster inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students​ (eSchool News)(Spectrum Enterprise).

Empowering libraries in rural Arkansas

In rural Arkansas, the Ouachita Mountain Regional Library System leveraged internet access funding to bring high-speed internet to its communities. For many patrons, the library was their only access to the internet, and without reliable service, they faced significant barriers to education, job searches, and community engagement. Thanks to E-rate, the library not only upgraded its internet infrastructure but also introduced digital literacy programs that have empowered local residents to thrive.

A library director from the Ouachita system remarked, “Without E-rate funding, we couldn’t have afforded to bring the kind of digital resources that have become essential in today’s world. Now, our patrons are not just coming in to use the internet—they are learning how to use it to improve their lives, whether it’s finding a new job or accessing educational opportunities.”

This is a shining example of how the E-rate program supports not just students, but entire communities​ (eSchool News).

Supporting Cybersecurity for school safety in Wisconsin

As schools and libraries become more reliant on digital tools, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical issue. In Wisconsin, a school district used E-rate funding to enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring that students and staff could safely access online learning tools. One district leader emphasized, “Thanks to the support we received, we were able to implement stronger cybersecurity measures that protect our students and teachers. This funding helped us safeguard critical data and prevent cyber threats from disrupting our learning environment.”

Cybersecurity is a growing concern nationwide, and programs like E-rate are making it possible for districts to address these issues before they become major problems​ (eSchool News).