The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Program (E-rate) was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the express purpose of providing affordable access to telecommunication services for all eligible schools and libraries, particularly those in rural and inner-city areas. The Program provides discounts of 20% to 90% on telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections. In order to receive discounts, schools and libraries must submit applications to the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company.
For more information on the program and to access application information, go to the Schools and Libraries web site
Technology Plan Requirements: (link to word document with requirements)
Additional E-rate Resources:
PowerPoint presentations from the SLD Year 5 E-rate training workshop
E-rate Central
Contact information for approval of technology plans in Maryland:
Public Schools
Jayne Moore,
Director of Instructional Technology and School Library Media Programs
MD State Department of Education
Telephone: 410-767-0382
Fax: 410-333-2128
jmoore@msde.state.md.us
Catholic Schools in Archdiocese of Baltimore
Ronald Valenti
410-547-5393
Catholic Schools in Archdiocese of Delaware
Karen Bolte
302-573-3133
Maryland Lutheran Schools
Sally Hiller
703-971-9371
Members of Association of Independent MD Schools (AIMS)
Susan Smith
410-761-3700
Nonpublic schools not covered by any of the above organizations
Davina-Pruitt-Mentle, Director, Educational Technology Policy / Research and Evaluation
University of Maryland, College Park
Telephone: 301-405-8202
dpruitt@umd.edu