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NC School Connectivity Initiative

FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program

What is the FCC Pilot Program?

In June 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program to gather the data needed to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries.

To learn more about the Pilot Program, sign up for the mailing list or visit the Pilot Program’s website.

Recent Updates:

August 2024

FCC Form 484 Part 1 Overview Webinar

On August 20, 2024, the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) held a webinar where they reviewed the questions of the FCC Form 484 Part 1 to help applicants prepare to complete the form. The session focused on the form’s content and information collected. The slides presented during the webinar can be found here.

NCDPI Announcement

The DPI School Connectivity and PSU Cybersecurity would like to provide a couple of updates related to the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.  This pilot program aims to provide funding for eligible schools and libraries to improve their cybersecurity posture and protect their networks from cyber threats.

With the ever-increasing integration of digital technologies within the educational environment, cybersecurity continues to be an area of high importance, placing a significant responsibility on the PSU to secure their networks.  Through the work of School Connectivity and PSU Cybersecurity programs, we have been able to leverage several resources and tools that provide high-quality protections for PSUs, but there is still work to be done in the effort to reach our goal of “helping all PSUs achieve basic cyber hygiene”. 

Although many of the pilot’s details are still being determined, we wanted to share the following information and resources as we continue to build support and documentation to assist PSUs with the application process:

  • NCDPI does not plan to file any statewide/consortium applications for this pilot program.
  • There is currently no allocated funding to cover the non-discounted portion.
  • We are working with state and federal partners to identify applicable state master contracts that PSUs can leverage for individual applications.
  • A webinar hosted by E-Rate Central has been scheduled for Friday, September 13, at 10:30 AM to provide more detailed guidance on the specifics of this program and the application process. Registration for the webinar can be found on the DTL Eventbrite page here.
  • PSUs should continue evaluating their current cybersecurity posture in order to be prepared for the 484 application process.  
  • The September DTL Digital Leaders Exchange will include several sessions on Data Privacy and Cybersecurity. You can register for a DLE event near you on the DTL Eventbrite page here.

Please reach out to Tim Wease – PSU Cybersecurity for anything related to this process.  We look forward to partnering with you on this pilot program.

June 2024

Schools & Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program: Get Ready Webinar

On June 27, 2024, the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) held a webinar where they provided a high-level overview of the Pilot Program and provided potential applicants with the steps to prepare for the application window. The slides presented during the webinar can be found here.