At the end of 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was designed to give low-income households a discount each month on their internet bill, even offering a one-time coupon of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Pell Grant recipients or those who qualified for free school breakfast or lunch were eligible for the ACP.
The program emerged as a way to help families remain connected to workforce and educational opportunities as they moved online. In May 2021, the FCC established the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program, offering similar discounts specifically for schools and libraries on wireless connections, hotspots, routers, modems, laptops, and computers.
Eventually, the ACP supported more than 23 million households across the country. But at the end of May, as Congress failed to confirm its continuing funds, the ACP program officially shuttered. Similarly, the ECF sunset on June 30. Experts say this will have a negative impact on students and potential students as they embark on postsecondary journeys.
Dr. Darris Means, an associate professor and executive director for rural and community-based education at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, said the loss of these programs will have a tremendous impact on low-income households and areas across the country.
“What's really important to know is that this cuts across rural communities, urban communities, suburban communities, across the entire country. This program was making internet services more affordable, particularly as we were moving and seeing increased demands for remote learning as well as remote work,” said Means. “Being able to provide people access to those opportunities and resources needed to do their work, to engage in their own learning and in school – I think it's a significant loss with the ending of this [program.]”
Dr. Darris Means, associate professor and executive director for rural and community-based education at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.
“Remote learning offers a lot more flexibility for students to engage in their education or continue their education, particularly students who are maybe working full-time, students who are caretakers of either parents or family members or children,” said Means. “While the college, university, or school may have internet access, it doesn't mean that students always have these resources and services in their own home. That can impact learning or make learning more difficult when you're trying to engage in resources that are online.”
