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The Schools and Libraries Program.
Connecting America's Classrooms and Libraries

The Schools and Libraries Program-often called the "E-rate"-provides support for eligible schools and libraries to help offset the cost of advanced telecommunications services. USAC's Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) administers the program. Eligible schools and libraries receive discounts ranging from 20 to 90 percent on the following services:

• Telecommunications services, including local and long-distance service
• Internet access
• "Internal connection" projects such as wiring and networking schools and libraries to facilitate the use of advanced telecommunications technology

The range of discounts available to schools and libraries corresponds to the income level of students in their community and whether their location is urban or rural. Income for a school or district is measured by the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) administered by the United States Department of Agriculture:

Applicants must develop an approved "technology plan" outlining how advanced technologies or discounts on existing technologies will help them in their day-to-day operations or in fulfilling the goals of their organizations. Providing these connections affords students and library patrons the same access to high technology and near-instant information and resources that once could only be found at the university level.

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