Next week, thousands of education technology leaders will gather in Chicago for CoSN 2026 (April 13–15), the annual conference of the Consortium for School Networking. Funds For Learning is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of this year’s conference, and our team will be on-site throughout the event.
As someone who serves on the CoSN Board of Directors, I want to share why we invest our time and resources in this event — and why I believe it’s one of the most valuable opportunities for anyone involved in E-rate and school connectivity.
Why CoSN Matters to the E-rate Community
CoSN is the leading national voice for K–12 school technology leadership. For more than two decades, the organization has championed the policies, practices, and professional development that school districts need to build and sustain modern learning environments. That mission aligns directly with what we do at Funds For Learning every day: helping schools and libraries secure the federal E-rate funding that makes reliable internet access and Wi-Fi possible.
When we support CoSN, we’re supporting the broader ecosystem that makes school connectivity work. Advocacy, technical leadership, and peer learning all happen at CoSN — and all of those things ultimately benefit the applicants we serve.
Join Us: Two Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss
This year, Funds For Learning is presenting two sessions that go to the heart of what E-rate applicants are dealing with right now: a shifting policy landscape and an urgent, data-documented need for cybersecurity funding.
Both sessions reflect what Funds For Learning does best: turning data and policy expertise into practical value for the people on the front lines of school connectivity.
Beyond the Sessions
Our involvement at CoSN 2026 extends beyond the stage:
- CoSN2026 Advocacy Auction & Reception — Monday evening. We’re proud to sponsor this signature event, which supports CoSN’s advocacy work on behalf of school technology leaders nationwide. I’ll be co-chairing the auction and hope to see many of you there.
And here’s something important: you don’t have to attend the conference to support the auction. The auction is open to remote participants, so even if you can’t make it to Chicago, you can still contribute to CoSN’s advocacy efforts. Visit the auction website for details on how to participate.
- Gold-level conference sponsorship. Our sponsorship reflects a long-standing commitment to CoSN’s mission and our belief that strong advocacy and professional community make the E-rate program better for everyone.
Why E-rate Applicants Should Attend
If you’re responsible for technology planning, procurement, or E-rate at your school district or library, CoSN is one of the best investments you can make in your own professional growth. The conference offers direct access to policy discussions that shape the E-rate program, practical sessions on network infrastructure and cybersecurity, peer networking with technology leaders who face the same challenges you do, and insights from the organizations and policymakers working to keep schools connected.
The conversations that happen at CoSN don’t just stay in the conference hall. They influence the decisions, policies, and best practices that affect your work for the rest of the year.
Look for Funds For Learning in Chicago
If you’re attending CoSN 2026, please find us. Stop by to say hello, attend one of our sessions, or join us at the Advocacy Auction Monday night. Our team is always happy to talk about E-rate, answer questions, or simply connect with the people and organizations we serve.
And if you can’t make it to Chicago this year, you can still get involved — the Advocacy Auction is open to remote participants. It’s a meaningful way to support CoSN’s advocacy work from wherever you are. We’ll also be sharing takeaways and insights from the conference in the weeks ahead.
