Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that the Promise Community School, an elementary school at BakerRipley, will receive $194,459.25 in funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program.  This ECF Program grant will improve the students’ access to internet and technology by covering the costs of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for use by students and school staff. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the gap in access to and the need for high-speed internet to connect workers to jobs, students to schools, and people to one another,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “The funds from the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program will provide students with resources to close the homework gap and expand their education.  I was glad to authorize this funding last year and look forward to continuing to work to get students and school staff the internet and device access they need to be successful.”

“The ECF funding opens unlimited doors and possibilities to provide digital access to our scholars and increased remote learning,” said Promise Community School District Superintendent Dr. Sylvia Thomas.  “These opportunities extend beyond the traditional school day allowing scholars to access extended instruction through personalized tutoring, remote homework assistance, remote extended-learning opportunities in reading and math; as well as building their technology literacy skills. Promise Community Schools is humbled to receive this grant and as a community school district, we are thankful for the additional support with providing our scholars, community and stakeholders increased opportunities for the attainment of academic excellence and true choice.”

In February 2021, Congress authorized the ECF as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the bill, which was the largest effort in U.S. history to address the homework gap and ensure students have access to the broadband service and devices they need outside of school. 

In February 2022, Congresswoman Fletcher announced federal funding for four public libraries in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District stemming from the ECF Program.