Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
Funding Available for Upcoming School Year Will Help to Close the Homework Gap, Ensure Access to Education for the Over 2,000 Kids in a Rural School District Spanning 22,000 Square Miles
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcement of its 13th wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program support, which includes $14,947,328 available for the Lower Yukon School District (LYSD) for the upcoming school year. The funding for equipment and services aims to close the homework gap by supporting affordable broadband and connectivity efforts in the school district.
“I am thrilled for the kids of the Lower Yukon School District and know this FCC commitment will be transformational for their educational opportunities. Spanning 22,000 miles across ten villages, the importance of affordable, high-quality broadband and access to off-campus learning is critical to the schools of LYSD as they pursue their mission,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “When students were learning from home, many kids in the ten villages within the LYSD were left with few options, jeopardizing their education. I pushed the FCC to understand the unique situations that exist within Alaska’s rural and vast school districts, and I am proud to see this funding announcement that reflects an understanding of and respect for the needs of these Alaskan communities. From Alakanuk to Pilot Station, kids will receive the technologies and connections they deserve to have a high-quality education.”
“The Lower Yukon School District serves ten villages across 22,000 square miles. Our mission is to ensure tradition, culture and quality of education for all our children. Access to reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband is critical for our students and their future. We thank Senator Murkowski for her support bridging the digital divide and creating educational equity for all,” said Gene Stone, Superintendent, Lower Yukon School District.
Senator Murkowski previously shared an FCC announcement awarding four school districts in Alaska funding from the ECF totaling over $15 million.