FCC Reports Strong Interest in Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program

• By Rhea Kelly
• 11/12/24

The Federal Communications Commission has received 2,734 applications totaling $3.7 billion in funding requests from schools, libraries, and consortia for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, the agency reported in a recent announcement. The pilot will provide up to $200 million in funding over three years to selected schools and libraries to help offset the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment. The application window closed on Nov. 1.

Applicants represented schools and libraries from rural and urban communities across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, the FCC said, noting that the "wide range of applicants will help facilitate the inclusion of a diverse selection of eligible schools and libraries with differing cybersecurity needs and experiences as participants in the Cybersecurity Pilot Program." In reviewing the applications, the FCC plans to "target funding to as many qualified applicants as possible with a special focus on the neediest eligible schools, libraries, and consortia who will benefit most from cybersecurity funding (i.e., those at the highest discount rate percentages); Tribal entities; and selecting a mix of large and small and urban and rural, schools, libraries, and consortia," the agency said. 

The FCC will utilize data from the pilot to "better understand whether and how universal service funds can be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks."

"The vulnerabilities in the networks we have in our schools and libraries are real — and growing," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in a statement. "The overwhelming response to our pilot program makes clear that the cybersecurity threats impacting school systems are widespread. The Pilot Program provides an excellent opportunity to both learn from these varied experiences, and also test out solutions in different environments."

Brian Stephens, director of stakeholder engagement at E-rate consulting firm Funds for Learning, commented: "We're encouraged to see 2,734 applicants step forward in pursuit of cybersecurity funding — representing about 13% of all E-rate participants in 2024. But this is only part of the broader need. Our E-rate Trends Report highlights this urgency, with 87% of respondents identifying cybersecurity funding as essential. We hope the FCC considers the depth of demand and maximizes support to meet it. This could even include increasing the budget cap above $200 million, should additional Universal Service funds be available. Schools and libraries require enhanced support to safeguard their networks effectively."

Participant selection and next steps will be announced in a future public notice, the FCC said. For more information, visit the FCC site.