Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP)
Tribal libraries play an important role in their communities, especially in connecting them to the digital world. However, many Tribal libraries and Tribal college and university (TCU) libraries that serve as public libraries in their communities have not participated in the E-Rate program due to barriers of entry. To help address this issue, the FCC made changes to the program, clarifying that Tribal libraries and TCUs that also serve as a public library are eligible and making it easier for Tribal libraries to apply for funding and participate in the program.
The Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP) was established to provide additional support to Tribal and TCU libraries when applying for E-Rate program funding. Tribal and TCU libraries can now receive direct support in navigating the E-Rate application process, including one-on-one assistance when preparing applications, applying to the program, and receiving E-Rate support. This includes sharing information about program rules and requirements, providing training on how to use the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), and walking through the competitive bidding and application processes. The program also supports participants during invoicing and other post-commitment processes, including the service confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) certification or service substitution requests.
The goal of T-LEAP is to support Tribal libraries in successfully completing the application process and to learn what training and support is most useful to new Tribal library applicants to enhance E-Rate training materials and simplify the application process. T-LEAP seeks to gain an understanding of the applicant experience to increase participation and streamline the E-Rate program requirements, particularly for Tribal applicants.
Learn more about the FCC’s efforts to support Tribal libraries:
- On July 20, 2023, the FCC adopted a Report and Order amending program rules to enhance Tribal applicants’ access to the E-Rate program.
- On October 29, 2024, the FCC announced the new Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP) will be replacing the Tribal Libraries Pilot Program beginning Funding Year (FY) 2025.