E-rate Commentary

by John Harrington

August 13, 2025

Five Minutes of Quiet

This week I tried two simple experiments at Funds For Learning. In a one-to-one with an FFL staff lead, I set a five minute timer and gave him the floor....

by Cathy Cruzan

August 13, 2025

Back to School: A Salute to Our Technology Leaders

As another school year begins, the excitement is unmistakable. Each morning on my way to the office here in Oklahoma City, I pass my local high school and see the...

August 12, 2025

Cybersecurity Pilot: What You Need to Know (and Do) Right Now

If you’re knee-deep in the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program and wondering what exactly to focus on next, you’re not alone. With little precedent to lean on and a whole lot...

August 11, 2025

Join Funds For Learning at AnchorNets 2025

Funds For Learning is proud to participate in AnchorNets 2025, the leading national conference focused on broadband policy, funding, and innovation for schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other community anchor...

by John Harrington

Awareness First: The Leadership Discipline of Naming the Problem

We’ve all been there. Someone offers us a solution, but we’re not convinced there’s even a problem. Maybe we nod politely. Maybe we tune out. Either way, the idea doesn’t...

by Patrick Burke

Get Ahead: Plan Your Funding Year 2026 Form 470 the Smart Way

The E-rate program helps schools and libraries get discounts on internet and network equipment. With the 5-year Category Two budget reset and the Funding Year 2026 Form 470 being available, it is...

by John Harrington

Leadership Insight: Scaling Systems is Easy. Scaling Trust is the Real Work.

Recently, I’ve been deep in strategic planning: launching platforms, refining outreach, preparing for policy windows, and guiding leadership transitions. On paper, it’s the kind of work that looks like systems...

Don’t Let Your E-rate Melt: Mid Summer Checkpoint

School’s almost back, the popsicles are half‑melted, and USAC is still cranking out decisions. Here’s what you can do right now—before the back-to-school scramble kicks in. “Did I get funded?”...