Overview

October 10

Join the Center for Digital Education and Proofpoint for a webinar to explore the FCC’s new E-rate program, also known as the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program, and its crucial role in providing affordable broadband access to educational institutions across the United States. The program offers substantial discounts on telecommunications and internet services, ensuring that schools and libraries can access essential digital resources and improve their connectivity.

While the E-rate program offers significant benefits, navigating its complexities and ensuring effective use of funds can be challenging for many schools and libraries. Issues such as understanding compliance requirements, managing cybersecurity risks and integrating advanced technologies can create hurdles.

In this webinar, we will cover:

Deep dive into the specifics of the program and its vital role in providing affordable internet access and telecommunications services to schools and libraries across the United States

Tips on how to enhance digital security and connectivity for educational institutions

Live Q&A with cybersecurity experts

Speakers

Shana Holt

Senior Solutions Engineer, Proofpoint

Shana (pronounced Shah-nuh) Holt is a Senior Solutions Engineer at Proofpoint in the South Central SLED team since 2021. She maintains a working knowledge of all Proofpoint solutions and she works with the account managers to present solutions and business reviews with customers. Prior to this role at Proofpoint, Holt retired after 25 years of service from the State of Mississippi as a Technology Security Officer for the Mississippi Development Authority, where she was responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity policy and management of the cybersecurity operations team. Holt brings her unique experience to Proofpoint, having been an email security customer in the public sector and with hands-on experience using Proofpoint’s solutions.

Mary Ellen Cantrell

Public Sector Regional Director of Sales, Proofpoint

Mary Ellen Cantrell is a seasoned professional in the cyber security industry, currently serving as the Public Sector Regional Director of Sales for Proofpoint. With 17 years of extensive experience in cyber security, Mary Ellen has been instrumental in bringing disruptive technologies to market, including innovative solutions such as People Centric Advanced Email Security, Palo Alto Networks' Next Generation Firewall, Email Fraud Defense, and Cloud Access Security Broker, Insider Threat Detection and Browser Isolation.

Tom Ryan Ph.D. — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Tom Ryan has recently retired from Santa Fe Public Schools, in New Mexico, as Chief Information and Strategy Officer. He has co-founded, K12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, to assist district leaders deliver educational success with technology, which is led by experienced school technology leaders. He has expertise in strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews. Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He has served as CIO in large and very large public-school districts and has 40+ years of experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He is past chair in CoSN and works with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) performing large school district reviews and helps coordinate annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several international and national conferences throughout the year.

Webinar

Enhancing Digital Security and Connectivity for Educational Institutions: Navigating the New E-Rate Program