E-Rate Program Expanded for Cybersecurity

According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), more than one cyber incident occurs on average per K-12 school per day. 

Schools are increasingly being targeted because they are seen as attractive and vulnerable. Often, schools lack the robust cybersecurity measures found in other sectors, making them easier to infiltrate. Threat actors of all types have realized that school systems often have older computer systems, have fewer cybersecurity experts on staff, and simultaneously rely heavily on technology. In addition to that, they hold sensitive and longitudinal data and can be targeted by both offshore and homegrown bad actors. It’s no wonder that more than one cyber incident occurs each day.

How can E-Rate help your cybersecurity posture?

To provide additional resources to K-12 institutions, the Federal Communications Commission announced in the summer of 2024 that advanced cybersecurity services and equipment would be added to the current Universal Services Program for Schools and Libraries (more commonly known as E-Rate) support programs.

The E-Rate program has given schools access to discounted technology equipment and services for years, but with the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity incidents, schools will now be able to apply these benefits to additional security protections.

For example, one of the largest technology expenses a school faces is the requirement of installing and maintaining privacy filters for online access.  With the new discounts, those filters will now be accessible to schools more affordably.

What does the application process look like?

The Cyber Security Grant portion of the E-Rate program is new this year and separate from the traditional E-Rate process. In addition, the application window is shorter, and the process is much more rigorous. The current process, on average, takes 12 months from discovery to installation. As a result, staying on top of your application strategy is more important than ever. 

We are passionate about assisting educational institutions with securing quality technology for students and staff because our strategic consulting team includes former educational technology leaders with a combined 30 years of experience in schools.  They understand the nuanced intersection of securing government funding, optimizing tight budget dollars, and meeting federal and state requirements of security, privacy, and innovation. 

As a result of this work, we are excited to offer consulting services geared specifically toward E-Rate Support. 

“GadellNet was a game-changer when we filled out our E-rate application. Their expertise and knowledge were invaluable. They guided us through the process, ensuring we asked for the right equipment and services. Their deep understanding of the program helped us maximize our funding and made what could have been a daunting task seem smooth and efficient.”

Marybeth, Director, St. Louis K-12 School

If you are interested in speaking with our team to learn if our E-Rate Support Services will benefit your students and staff, please contact us today.