Duckworth, Durbin Announce $6.2 Million To Help Close The Digital Divide In Schools And Libraries
[CHICAGO, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced $6,279,820 for Illinois schools and libraries through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund.
“This federal investment will have a significant impact for dozens of schools and libraries across Illinois by helping improve broadband infrastructure,” said Duckworth. “We know that internet access is crucial for helping our kids stay ahead in school, improving quality of life, and so much more. I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in this announcement, and I will continue to advocate for improved infrastructure for working families all across Illinois and our nation.”
“Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s progress and prosperity, but for too long, we’ve allowed the digital divide to cast a shadow over the promise of equal opportunity,” said Durbin. “All students, whether they live in rural communities, urban neighborhoods, or somewhere in between, deserve the same chance to succeed. Investing in broadband infrastructure, providing affordable internet access, and equipping schools with the latest technology is an investment in our future.”
The FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund is a $7.1 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which Duckworth and Durbin both supported, to help schools and libraries support remote learning by providing funding to schools and libraries for the cost of equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers, and library patrons who lack internet access and the devices they need to connect to classrooms.
Recipients of the Emergency Connectivity Funding include:
- Orland School District 135 - $767,915
- Mokena School District 159 - $94,000
- Homewood-Flossmoor School District 233 - $154,435
- Calvin Christian School - $8,412
- La Grange School District 105 - $22,340
- DePaul College Prep - $13,225
- Pilgrim Lutheran School - $8,983
- Hinsdale Township School District 86 - $301,507
- Community High School District 155 - $107,363
- Glen Ellyn School District 89 - $14,859
- St. Isaac Jogues School - $16,700
- The Catholic Bishop of Chicago - $57,855
- Lincolnwood School District 74 - $88,400
- Sunset Ridge School District 29 - $12,000
- Notre Dame College Prep - $12,366
- Township High School District 113 - $411,311
- Northfield Township School District 225 - $2,400
- Hawthorn School District 73 - $53,910
- Glenview School District 34 - $14,400
- Libertyville Elementary School District 70 - $186,450
- Northbrook Public Library - $7,530
- Indian Prairie School District 204 - $58,176
- Naperville Community School District 203 - $16,594
- Naperville Public Library - $10,440
- Aurora Central Catholic High School - $17,419
- Plainfield Community Consortium District 202 - $989,450
- O'Fallon High School District 203 - $99,748
- Columbia Community School District 4 - $7,164
- St. Clare School - $27,955
- Rochester School District 3a - $292,300
- Community Unit School District 308 - $1,282,110
- Batavia Public School District 101 - $636,400
- Millburn School District 24 - $2,400
- Prairie Grove School District 46 - $70,125
- Minooka School District 201 - $7,200
- Prairie Hill School District 133 - $70,198
- Quad Cities Christian Schools - $21,540
- St. Jude's Catholic School - $2,400
- Morton Community Unit School District 709 - $295,900
- County of Woodford Schools - $15,900
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