Power can be found in many forms. What places do we see power at work? Electricity. Nuclear plants. Waterfalls. Different Levels of Leadership. Thunderstorms. Engines. People. People are powerful.
People can unite their voices and opinions to create power in our world. When it comes to E-Rate, Applicants, Service Providers, and even Consultants can band together to lift their collective voice in power to bring about change. One way we do this is by finding the common ground through survey data.
By conducting surveys on Eligible Services, Forms, Processes, and the usage of funding by applicants, we gain insights into the overall utilization of the E-Rate Program. This allows us to identify both our collective achievements and areas of unmet needs. Across the nation, Applicants and Service Providers provide valuable data that, in the past, has led to great impacts on the E-Rate Program. Everyone participating in the E-Rate Game is interested in the positive changes that can be made that benefit the students of America.
Survey data has played a significant role in E-Rate history by yielding quality results from across the nation that benefitted and significantly impacted the E-Rate program for the greater good of students in schools from Florida to Oregon and Northern Maine to Southern California.
Just look at the amazing changes that have taken place in the E-Rate program over the years – all because the “people” exercised their voices through various surveys.
The Eligible Services List exemplifies how the collection of usage data, coupled with an understanding of the requested needs, resulted in an expanded list of equipment and services that later qualified for E-Rate Funding.
Survey data also catapulted the Funding Cap to a more reasonable amount to meet more of the needs of our National Educational systems. Thanks to the voices of many, all were able to see the increase in the overall Funding Cap during that time.
Most recently, we see the data that led us to the current Cybersecurity Pilot Program. An innovative and courageous leap in the possibilities of E-Rate Funding that has the potential to keep our students safer online than ever before.
The point is when we collectively use our “voices” by responding to surveys about the E-Rate Program, we often find that many others agree with us. When applied to a mechanism like E-Rate, the overwhelming survey data showing trends, usage, and unmet needs compels the positive lasting change necessary that carries us farther into the technological future, on a better path to serving all. Take control and exercise your power. Combine your Applicant experience with that of schools and libraries across the nation, by responding to the 2025 E-rate Applicant Survey today.
