Overview

October 9
11AM PT, 2PM ET

Register

Billions in federal funding are available to help K-12 schools improve internet access — yet many districts are leaving money on the table.

The Federal E-rate Program provides critical discounts to help schools and libraries access affordable broadband and internal networking infrastructure. But for many K-12 leaders, the program can feel complex, underutilized, or even invisible. Whether your district is brand new to E-rate or participating without a clear strategy, this session will equip you to make smarter, more impactful use of this essential funding source.

Join the Center for Digital Education and expert guests for a practical discussion on how to:

  • Understand what E-rate really covers (and what it doesn’t)
  • Streamline the application process and avoid common pitfalls
  • Align E-rate funding with your broader technology roadmap
  • Leverage Category 1 and Category 2 funding more strategically
  • Stay compliant while preparing for audits or program reviews


You’ll also hear real-world examples of how districts have used E-rate to expand access, modernize infrastructure, and bridge the digital divide — without stretching local budgets.

If you're an education leader, CTO, technology coordinator, or school business official, this is your opportunity to demystify E-rate and walk away with next steps you can act on this budget cycle.

Speakers

Neal Merry headshot

Neal Merry

Senior Director, Public Sector, Comcast Business, Midwest Region

Ron Bergmann headshot

Ron Bergmann — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Ronald M. Bergmann most recently served as Vice President for Information Technology and CIO at Lehman College/CUNY. At Lehman, Ron and his team pioneered the use of analytics, automated major business processes, enhanced classroom technology, and opened the first virtual reality lab in the region. Lehman was cited as an exemplar in the 2018 Horizon Report for its innovative Lehman 360 digital platform. Ron is a fellow of the EDUCAUSE/CLIR Frye (now Leading Change) Institute and was named in 2017 as one of the nation’s top technologists, transformers, and trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education. Ron previously served as first deputy commissioner of New York City's information technology agency where he was selected by Government Technology Magazine as one of the nation's leading individuals redefining and advancing technology's role in government.