Press Releases
Pascrell Announces Over $1 Million in Federal Grants to 8th District Schools
Washington, DC,
May 1, 2003
Tags:
Education
Essex County schools receive over $600,000 for internet technology U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J., 8th) announced today that educational institutions in the 8th Congressional District will receive over $1 million in federal funding through the "E-Rate" or Education Rate program. The awards are a part of the first wave of funding distributed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and will provide a substantial discount on high technology services for schools and libraries. Essex County institutions will receive over $600,000 for telecommunication services and internet access. The E-Rate initiative was established as part of the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996 which provides $2.25 billion annually in discounts to public and private schools and libraries in America on telecommunications services, internet access, and internal connections. The schools' applications were several of tens of thousands from schools and libraries across the United States that applied for E-rate discounts. Additional waves of funding will be announced bi-weekly. "It is critical for all our students to have access to the state of the art. The internet can be the most important learning tool we provide for our children in the 21st century. Students must be afforded the benefits of this incredible educational revolution," stated Pascrell. "These new federal dollars will help bring internet services to classrooms in our communities. That is why E-Rate is such an important program." Pascrell is a former school teacher and former President of the Paterson Board of Education. Since the beginning of his tenure in Congress, Pascrell has been one the strongest supporters of the E-Rate program. Essex County E-Rate Awards-Wave 1 5/1/03
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