Information

For School Districts

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Support

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides eligible low-income households with a $30 monthly credit for broadband internet service. Households that participate in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and/or the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) automatically qualify for the ACP subsidy.

School districts are essential partners in the success of Georgia Student Connect. Many families are simply not aware of the program and once they are the application process can be challenging, especially since it requires personal information to complete the application.  A trusted advisor is critical to the success of ACP and school / district staffs are who parents trust. 

We know not every district has staff they can dedicate to this effort, so the Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) Georgia Student Connect program is partnering with participating school districts across the state to help eligible families enroll.  School districts can choose from the options below which are designed to promote and facilitate ACP enrollment. School districts can request any combination of the options to reach their goals by calling the Georgia Students Connect helpdesk at 470-500-1903.

Parental Outreach

The GA Student Connect call center will call eligible families to inform them about the ACP, encourage sign up, and facilitate the application process.

ACP Support Hotline

Interested families can contact an ACP Support Hotline during normal business hours for information about the ACP or for application assistance.

School District Parental Outreach

School districts will conduct ACP outreach to their families.

ACP Training Workshop for School District Staff

GA Student Connect Representatives will hold a virtual ACP training workshop for school district staff.

ACP Workshop for Families

GA Student Connect Representatives will hold a virtual ACP workshop for school district families.

3rd-party ACP Support Organization Research

GA Student Connect Representatives will conduct research to discover local organizations within a school district that are conducting ACP outreach and support and provide a list of these organizations and their programs.

If a district decides to participate, each school district can have access to a dedicated Representative from Georgia Student Connect who will support the school district. Georgia Student Connect Representatives are available to school districts Monday-Friday from 8 am–6 pm EST.

ACP District Dashboard Showcasing Number of Families Eligible for Program vs. Currently Enrolled

View on Website

For more general information about the ACP, you can call the FCC hotline at 877-384-2575 or visit the FCC ACP webpage at https://fcc.gov/acp.

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)

ECF is a temporary $7.17 billion program that will help schools close the digital divide by providing funding for devices and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students and school staff in need. More information on the ECF can be found at the FCC website. Georgia Student Connect has also developed an ECF Guidebook to help districts navigate the program. You can also access the guidebook. Your ambassador is available to field your questions.

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)

The EBB provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. The EBB is limited to one discounted monthly service plan per household and will continue until funds are expended or until six months after the declared end to the COVID-19 health emergency. Students in your district may be eligible for this program. Information about the program is available for students and their households at GetEmergencyBroadband.org

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