On Oct. 27, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) joined 65 education and related national organizations in a letter to congressional leaders asking for $1 billion in additional funds for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The letter notes that the FCC received requests for $2.8 billion in ECF funds during its final application window, which was more than double the amount remaining in the program.

“Without additional funding, many of these requests will not be met, leaving millions of students disconnected at a time when learning loss and teacher shortages are leading concerns,” the letter reads.

The letter also includes examples of how the program is addressing the critical needs of schools and libraries across the country who are struggling to keep students, teachers, and library patrons connected in an increasingly digital world.