Department of Education Information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

On May 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released information for school districts regarding the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). The EBB is a new, temporary federal program to help eligible families pay for internet service during the pandemic. Households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year, including children who attend schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, are eligible for the EBB Program. The Department of Education’s EBB website has further information at the following link: https://tech.ed.gov/broadband/ebb/.

An introductory letter and “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) document will assist schools in learning about the program and includes strategies for reaching out to their school community about the EBB. The letter and FAQ can be found at the following website link: https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/K12-Letter-FAQs-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf.

In addition, an “Outreach Toolkit” with sample templates can be found at the following website link: https://tech.ed.gov/files/2021/05/K12-Outreach-Toolkit-FCC-EBBProgram.pdf.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) appreciates the exceptional work of state agencies and local program operators to support families during this challenging time. State agencies are reminded to distribute this memorandum to program operators immediately. Program operators should direct any questions concerning this guidance to their state agency. State agencies with questions should contact the appropriate FNS regional office.

Angela M. Kline
Director
Policy & Program Development Division