The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, offering $200 million in funding to bolster K–12 cybersecurity defenses. The application process is open until November 1, 2024, so schools need to understand the steps to qualify and maximize their chances of being selected.
The FCC simplified its application process after feedback suggested it needed to be simplified. Schools will now go through a two-step application. In the first stage, they only need to submit a summarized version of their cybersecurity plans. If selected, schools will move to the second phase, where they’ll provide detailed project proposals and funding requirements.
Although funding is limited, the FCC encourages all schools to apply to showcase the high demand for cybersecurity resources in K–12 education. The data collected will help the FCC and other agencies better understand where investments are needed and could lead to more future funding. A diverse range of applications will also allow the FCC to identify different cybersecurity needs across various types of schools.
The pilot funding will cover costs across four categories: advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, identity protection, and monitoring and detection systems. Since the funds won’t be enough to cover every category in full, schools should focus on areas where they need the most improvement and develop a clear strategy for their investment.
K–12 IT leaders should also collaborate closely with their finance departments to map out how to fund their portion of the project if selected. Schools can choose between two invoicing methods — BEAR or SPI — depending on whether they want to be reimbursed later or receive support from service providers upfront. A strong plan and partnership with a technology advisor like CDW can help schools make the most of this limited-time opportunity to enhance their cybersecurity posture.