The 2022 nomination process for the NREA Executive Committee is open until the end of day, today (November 4). Click the link below for more details and to vote!

Dr. Keith Perrigan represented Bristol Virginia Public Schools, COSARS, and NREA at the White House for the Infrastructure Talent Pipeline Challenge. According to Dr. Perrigan: "We must continue to prepare students for today’s jobs & tomorrow’s. As you can see from this demo, our VR Lab positions us perfectly to train the future workforce."

The Emergency Connectivity Fund, which Congress created last year to provide students and educators with internet connections at home, has helped roughly 15 million students connect to the internet. Unfortunately, the program is running short of money. The Federal Communications Commission does not have sufficient funds to cover all applicants that applied for ECF funds in the third application window last spring. The agency is short about $1 billion.

Sen. Markey is working to build support for Congress to provide additional funds for the program as part of the end-of-year spending bill. While schools understand the importance of this program, many others are unaware of its incredible success. We are requesting that schools and other education organizations contact staff in their senators’ office to explain the need for additional funds, particularly senators in the following states: Alaska, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and West Virginia. If you need contact information for staff in those offices or if you do reach out to staff, please be in touch with Sen. Markey’s telecom staffer, Danny Vinik (danny_vinik@markey.senate.gov). We are also happy to answer any additional questions or comments!

We greatly appreciate your support!