Greenbrier County Schools Seeks Family/Educator Input for Application
One year of free internet and/or connection may be available to Greenbrier County School (GCS) students and all school staff who do not currently have a good connection, who are not in a service area, or who struggle to afford Internet service. FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced June 29, 2021, that schools and libraries can file applications for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, the agency’s latest effort to connect Americans and close the homework gap.
Schools and libraries can apply for financial support to purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections to serve unmet needs for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. From June 29 to Aug. 13, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services for the 2021-22 school year.
How does this help greenbrier county students and educators?
Greenbrier County Schools will apply for connectivity funding based on parent and staff response to a survey located at www.greenbriercountyschools.org, right at the top of the page in the green shaded band.
What should I do to see if I qualify?
Every family with a student in Greenbrier County Schools is eligible to apply based on federal guidelines. Students may qualify if they do not live in an area currently served by Internet providers, if the connection they currently have is not sufficient, or if they have financial need and struggle to pay for Internet service. Greenbrier County Schools will apply on behalf of families, but the FCC will determine who is eligible and what will be awarded. All GCS families and staff need to do at this time is fill out the survey located at the top of the greenbriercountyschools.org webpage or at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FreeInternetEligibility.
What is the timeline?
The window for application is very short, so it is very important that families/staff fill out the survey as soon as possible. GCS can only apply for those who submit their information.
What if I have questions?
Please direct questions to the GCS Technology Department at 304-647-6484 or the Board of Education main office at 304-647-6470.
