The Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries, also known as the E-rate Program, provides discounts on telecommunication services, Internet access and internal connections for all public and private schools and libraries. The Universal Service Program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD).

E-rate provides discounts of 20-90 percent on the cost of eligible services. Discounts are based on the number of students eligible for the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program and the location of the organization (rural or urban).

The discounts are paid directly to the companies that provide schools and libraries with these technology services. In turn, the school or library receives a discounted bill or a reimbursement.

Each year, the amount available for funding must be approved. A funding year begins on July 1, and ends on the following June 30.

E-rate Training Events

MOREnet provides a variety of training opportunities to learn more about the E-rate program. Traditional classroom-style training will be offered at MOREnet in September. Live, online events will also be available throughout the year and will be shown on the MOREnet Training Schedule. To complement the regional and online events, MOREnet has recorded training modules that are available anytime.

Dec 2009 Web Seminar - Form 470

Jan 2010 Web Seminar– Form 471 

Feb 2010 Web Sminar - The Window is Closing! 

Mar 2010  Web Seminar – PIA 101 

Apr 2010 Web Seminar – Funding Commitment Decision Letters

May 2010 Web Seminar – Form 486

June 2010 Web Seminar – Technology Planning