Metuchen Schools Get $163K In Federal Funds For Internet Access

METUCHEN, NJ —Metuchen School District is set to receive $163,038.48 in federal funding to improve internet access for students, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced Sept. 24. The funds were granted by the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF).

Schools and libraries in the state’s 6th Congressional District will receive over $5.3 million, Pallone’s office said. The ECF provides funding to help students, teachers, and library patrons get the tools they need to connect to the Internet from home.

“I’m pleased to see that funding from the American Rescue Plan is coming to New Jersey to help students connect to the virtual classroom. I authorized the Emergency Connectivity Fund because this program will help get broadband service and devices into the hands of the students, teachers, and library patrons who need them,” Pallone said in a statement.

“I strongly encourage schools and libraries in New Jersey whose students or patrons may be struggling to access remote learning to see if they qualify for this program and apply during the second application period. Virtual learning will remain a crucial tool for parents and teachers alike long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.”

The $7.17 billion program was authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and was added to the package by Pallone’s Energy and Commerce Committee, the Congressman’s office said. President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law in March this year.

Metuchen schools were awarded the grant in the first round of funding for the program. The second application period opens on Sept. 28. For more information, click here.

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