August 30, 2023

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:

  1. Orland School District 135 - $767,915
  2. Mokena School District 159 - $94,000
  3. Homewood-Flossmoor School District 233 - $154,435
  4. Calvin Christian School - $8,412
  5. La Grange School District 105 - $22,340
  6. DePaul College Prep - $13,225
  7. Pilgrim Lutheran School - $8,983
  8. Hinsdale Township School District 86 - $301,507
  9. Community High School District 155 - $107,363
  10. Glen Ellyn School District 89 - $14,859
  11. St. Isaac Jogues School - $16,700
  12. The Catholic Bishop of Chicago - $57,855
  13. Lincolnwood School District 74 - $88,400
  14. Sunset Ridge School District 29 - $12,000
  15. Notre Dame College Prep - $12,366
  16. Township High School District 113 - $411,311
  17. Northfield Township School District 225 - $2,400
  18. Hawthorn School District 73 - $53,910
  19. Glenview School District 34 - $14,400
  20. Libertyville Elementary School District 70 - $186,450
  21. Northbrook Public Library - $7,530
  22. Indian Prairie School District 204 - $58,176
  23. Naperville Community School District 203 - $16,594
  24. Naperville Public Library - $10,440
  25. Aurora Central Catholic High School - $17,419
  26. Plainfield Community Consortium District 202 - $989,450
  27. O'Fallon High School District 203 - $99,748
  28. Columbia Community School District 4 - $7,164
  29. St. Clare School - $27,955
  30. Rochester School District 3a - $292,300
  31. Community Unit School District 308 - $1,282,110
  32. Batavia Public School District 101 - $636,400
  33. Millburn School District 24 - $2,400
  34. Prairie Grove School District 46 - $70,125
  35. Minooka School District 201 - $7,200
  36. Prairie Hill School District 133 - $70,198
  37. Quad Cities Christian Schools - $21,540
  38. St. Jude's Catholic School - $2,400
  39. Morton Community Unit School District 709 - $295,900
  40. County of Woodford Schools - $15,900

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