Recently, we hosted a live webinar that discusses everything you need to know about the FCC School and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This webinar outlines an overview of the new program, discusses why securing Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365 accounts should be a priority, demonstrates how ManagedMethods products align with funding criteria, and how they enhance your district’s security posture.
Our excellent product specialists also present two product demos: one of Cloud Monitor, our award-winning cybersecurity and student safety platform, and another of Content Filter, our E-rate CIPA-compliant web filtering software. It’s important to mention that both of these products qualify for the FCC program in multiple categories, which we will outline in the coming week’s blog posts.
The FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Earlier this spring, the FCC announced the launch of the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This three-year program aims to assess the need and impact of providing cybersecurity funding to E-Rate-eligible schools and libraries.
The program has a total funding of $200 million over three years. Not all applicants will be chosen, but those selected will receive up to $40.80 per student, with a minimum of $45,000 and a maximum of $4.5 million. Remember, if you apply, you have a chance of being accepted!
Applying for this program is important and involves more than potential funding. The more schools, districts, and libraries apply, the more program administrators will understand the urgent need for help.
The application window is set to open from Sept. 17 through Nov. 1
Who is eligible for the Pilot Program?
There are many questions about who qualifies for the Pilot Program and how districts can meet the requirements. Let’s break it down.
If you are eligible for E-Rate, you are also eligible for the Pilot Program. Even if you are not currently participating in E-Rate, you still qualify. Receiving E-Rate funds does not disqualify you from participating in this program; however, you cannot seek funding for solutions already covered by E-Rate (no double-dipping). This program prioritizes applicants from lower-income communities and Tribal areas, and you can apply as part of a consortium.
What are the eligible services?
Eligible services fall into four broad categories:
- Advanced and Next-Generation Firewalls
- Endpoint Protection
- Identity Protection and Authentication (ManagedMethods qualifies!)
- Monitoring, Detection, and Response (ManagedMethods qualifies!)
It’s strongly advised to apply for multiple categories, especially 2, 3, and 4. The more unique your application, the higher the chance your district will be selected.
Why is the FCC running this program?
The K-12 education community is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, ranking among the top five most targeted sectors. The FCC is now recognizing this and exploring new ways to support schools that rely heavily on cloud technology.
Despite the growing dependence on these technologies for learning and daily operations, school technology departments are often understaffed and underfunded, needing more resources and expertise to effectively combat cybersecurity threats that have reached crisis levels.
Are you ready to start your application? We’ve created this pre-application checklist to help you get a head start on the process.
