August 7, 2026
In July, AESA highlighted the work of Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) in Pennsylvania for developing an online resource that helps education leaders understand the impact of E-Rate funding in their communities. We’re excited to share that AIU has now expanded the resource nationwide, making this valuable advocacy tool available to education leaders across the country. Kudos to our colleagues at AIU for taking an innovative resource developed to serve Pennsylvania and scaling it to support schools and communities nationally!
The expansion comes at an important time for E-Rate. In June, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that raises significant concerns about the future of this critical program. The proposal could result in substantial changes to E-Rate, which has long helped schools and libraries provide reliable, affordable internet connectivity to students and communities.
AESA strongly supports protecting E-Rate and the essential connectivity it provides to schools, students, and communities. Educational service agencies know firsthand how important reliable broadband is—particularly for rural and underserved districts—and AESA will continue advocating for a strong, sustainable E-Rate program.
AIU’s expanded resource gives education leaders access to district- and county-specific E-Rate funding information, providing concrete data they can use to demonstrate the program’s impact locally. Additional advocacy resources, including template letters and comments, are expected to be available once the FCC formally opens the comment period.
We encourage AESA members to explore the resource, share it with districts and partners, and be prepared to make their voices heard in support of E-Rate.