Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Federal Resources to Bolster Students’ Internet Access, Close the Homework Gap

Today, Senator Reverend Warnock announced the Federal Communications Commission will bring over $5 million in federal investments to improve off-campus access to broadband and technology for Georgia students

Investments will impact Gwinnett County Public Schools, The Museum School of Avondale Estates and Brighten Academy

Senator Reverend Warnock is a champion for expanding broadband access and ensuring Georgia students have the resources they need for success

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’m proud to secure these investments to provide Georgia’s students and staff with the digital services, devices and support they need to thrive”

ICYMI from the Gwinnett Daily Post: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock announces Gwinnett schools are getting $5.3 million in federal funds for off-campus broadband improvements

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) announced he secured more than $5 million in federal resources to boost off-campus access to broadband and technology for Georgia students, a major step in the Senator’s efforts to close the homework gap. The Senator secured the funding through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC)  Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. The funding will support students and school staff by providing laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use so that all students have the same opportunity to learn. The funds will flow to Gwinnett County Public Schools, The Museum School of Avondale Estates, in Decatur, and Brighten Academy, in Douglasville.

“Georgia students need access to reliable broadband and technology to succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m proud to secure these investments to provide Georgia’s students and staff with the digital services, devices and support they need to thrive. I’ve long championed efforts to strengthen broadband access in every corner of the state, and I will continue to fight to close the digital divide and prepare our young people for the future.”

Senator Warnock is a champion for bringing robust federal investments in broadband access to Georgians across the state. Earlier this week, Senator Warnock announced that $250 million in American Rescue Plan funding will be invested in expanding and improving Georgians’ broadband access. He recently introduced bipartisan legislation that will encourage broadband development, especially in rural areas, by preventing certain grants from being considered taxable income. He has secured more than $570 million in federal funding to bolster Georgia’s broadband infrastructure. Last year, Senator Warnock hosted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in Jackson County where he took her to meet directly with parents, students, and local officials about their broadband needs and the challenges they face. He also received a commitment from Rosenworcel to connect every Georgian to affordable and reliable broadband. In addition, Senator Warnock is working to bring more affordable broadband to more Georgians through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

See below for a detailed breakdown of the FCC funding:

RecipientCityAmount
Gwinnett County Public SchoolsSuwanee$5,314,300.00
The Museum School of Avondale EstatesDecatur$79,695.00
Brighten AcademyDouglasville$102,465.00

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