The FCC says that the shift to modern connectivity has brought increased cybersecurity threats and attacks, particularly for K-12 schools and libraries.
DALLAS — Seven school districts in North Texas will be participating in a three-year cybersecurity pilot program, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Thursday.
The program will explore using universal service funds to bolster defenses against cyberattacks in schools and libraries.
According to the FCC, 707 participants for the cybersecurity pilot program were selected.
The FCC says that the shift to modern connectivity has brought increased cybersecurity threats and attacks, particularly for K-12 schools and libraries.
The school districts and libraries will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, while also gathering data to assess the potential use of universal service funds for enhancing cybersecurity measures.
The seven school districts that will be participating in the FCC’s program are:
- Castleberry ISD
- Dallas ISD
- Everman ISD
- Lake Worth ISD
- Lancaster ISD
- Venus ISD
- Walnut Springs ISD
Participants were selected based on criteria such as discount rates, National School Lunch Program percentages, and geographic diversity, with a focus on low-income and Tribal applicants.
The $200 million budget for the pilot program utilizes reserved, unused universal service funds, ensuring that improvements in cybersecurity do not undermine the E-Rate program’s success in promoting digital opportunities and basic connectivity, the FCC said.