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Funding Options to Bridge the Digital Divide

by Ashley Wallinger

December 17, 2021

More than half a million students across the U.S. will gain access to the technology they need to stay connected as they pursue their education goals, thanks to the latest wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) support from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The FCC is committing more than $169 million in additional funding to support off-campus learning as schools continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators can use this federal money to purchase eligible equipment, including internet-connected devices, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband services.

Schools that applied and were approved for ECF funding during the two application rounds have until June 30, 2022, to purchase technology through the program.

To date, the FCC has committed over $3.2 billion to the ECF, which is supporting 10.6 million students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More details about which schools and libraries will receive funding can be found here.

Read more about the importance of broadening technology access, and get expert support applying for educational grants and funding.

An Affordable Solution

One of the most popular solutions that meets ASHRAE standards and performs well in classroom settings is the Surgically Clean Air JADE Purification System. It uses a HEPA-Rx filter, activated carbon filter and germicidal UV-C+ to capture and destroy viruses, bacteria and other harmful particles in the air. This combination of technologies makes the JADE more effective at removing pollutants than a HEPA filter alone.

The JADE utilizes trusted technology to remove 99.998% of indoor air contaminants. Its multiple stages of purification – capturing, absorbing and destroying pollutants and re-energizing the air – helps protect students and staff.

While popular in dental and medical offices, the JADE is gaining traction in K-12 schools and college campuses. David MacAleese, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Surgically Clean Air, says it comes down to one thing – the JADE is whisper quiet. “Other purification systems are so loud that teachers can’t talk over them without turning the speed down, which means there are fewer air changes,” he says. The JADE’s design allows for a more efficient airflow while keeping the sound volume as quiet as a standard household dishwasher. This means learning won’t be interrupted, and students and teachers can breathe easier.

Schools that applied and were approved for ECF funding during the two application rounds have until June 30, 2022, to purchase technology through the program.

To date, the FCC has committed over $3.2 billion to the ECF, which is supporting 10.6 million students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More details about which schools and libraries will receive funding can be found here.

Read more about the importance of broadening technology access, and get expert support applying for educational grants and funding.

Sources

  1. ASHRAE. ASHRAE Filtration Technical Resources [Technical Resource]
  2. Lindsley, W. PhD, Derk, R. MS, Coyle, J. PhD, Martin, Jr, S. PhD, Mead, K. PhD, Blachere F. MS, Beezhold D. PhD, Brooks J. MD, Boots T. MS, Noti J. PhD. 9 July 2021. Efficacy of Portable Air Cleaners and Masking for Reducing Indoor Exposure to Simulated Exhaled SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols — United States, 2021 [Report]
  3. Gilraine, M. 28 October 2020. The importance of clean air in classrooms—during the pandemic and beyond [Report]
  4. Olsiewski, P., Bruns, R., Gronvall, G., Bahnfleth, W., Mattson, G., Potter, C., Vahey R. 26 May 2021. School Ventilation: A Vital Tool to Reduce COVID-19 Spread [Report]
  5. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 3 March 2021. What is a HEPA filter? [Report]
  6. Tobias, M. 24 June 2021. Coronavirus Prevention with Air Filters: Understanding MERV and HEPA [Blog]
  7. Salhotra, P., Zimmer, A. 9 July 2021. All classrooms to have 2 air purifiers next year, New York City officials pledge [News Article]
  8. Editorial Board. 27 July 2021. Opinion: The benefits of in-person learning still outweigh the risks [Opinion Article]

About the Author

Ashley Wallinger is a content marketing specialist at Trox. She began her career in broadcast journalism, working as a producer at two TV stations, where she created content for news broadcasts and digital platforms. She has since held roles as a digital copywriter for a marketing agency, as well as a social media specialist overseeing content creation and analytics for the Scottsdale Unified School District in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her background and profile can be found on LinkedIn.