As we mark the 15th annual E-rate Trends Survey, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared with the E-rate community. For fifteen years, thousands of school and library leaders have taken time out of their busy schedules to share candid feedback—feedback that has not only informed Funds For Learning’s efforts but has helped shape the broader E-rate landscape itself.
Each response we’ve received has been more than data; it has been a story, a challenge, a hope for a brighter, more connected future. Collectively, your voices have guided us and policymakers alike. From helping to secure vital broadband for underserved students to streamlining program complexities, your input has been instrumental.
Why does this survey matter so much? Because servant leadership is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about listening first, acting second, and ensuring those we serve—students, educators, library patrons—are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
The E-rate program has long been a cornerstone in bridging the digital divide, but it cannot improve in a vacuum. It depends on real-world insights from those in the field: superintendents navigating budget constraints, librarians advocating for community internet access, and technology directors juggling ever-evolving compliance requirements. Your perspectives shape how we advise, advocate, and innovate.
This year, we celebrate not just the longevity of the survey, but the power of shared growth it represents. Over the years, your feedback has contributed to critical reforms and informed the dialogue that drives progress in education technology funding.
As we launch the 2025 E-rate Trends Survey, I invite you to make your voice heard. Whether you’re a first-time participant or a long-time contributor, your insights are invaluable in advancing this program and the communities it serves.
Let’s continue to write this story together. Because when we listen and act with purpose, we don’t just meet today’s needs—we build the foundation for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Take the survey today and be part of shaping the next chapter of E-rate.
