Pennsylvania E-rate Listserve
In order to provide Pennsylvania’s schools and libraries with updated information concerning program changes, pitfalls, filing reminders, funding announcements, and trainings, the Pennsylvania maintains an active one-way listserve. Typically, 4-8 messages are sent per month, depending on program activity. To subscribe, e-mail Julie Tritt Schell at jtschell@comcast.net with your name, organization and e-mail address (e-mail addresses are never shared).  A list of previous listserve messages dating back to the program’s inception can be found under Listserve Archives.

E-rate Training

Priority 2 E-rate Training A special webinar has been scheduled for PA schools and libraries on Wednesday, January 11 from 1 - 3 p.m. that will focus exclusively on Priority 2 issues. Priority 2 includes internal connections and the limited basic maintenance of internal connections and is funded with whatever monies remain after all Priority 1 request have been committed. Funding is awarded first to the 90% discount schools and libraries, then then 89%, 88%, and so on until no funding remains. In most years, Priority 2 funding has only been available to applicants in the 81-90% discount range; however in Funding Year 2010, the FCC found enough money to fund all Priority 2 requests which has prompted more interest in applying for Priority 2 funding this year. The specific issues that will be addressed during the webinar include: Eligibility of Internal Connections equipment, Eligibility of Basic Maintenance, 2/5 rule, Using State Master Contracts, What to expect during PIA Review, Deadlines, Equipment Transfer and Disposal, Technology Plan Requirements, Service Substitutions, Eligible Locations, Maximizing Discounts.

Powerpoint Presentation

Each fall, the Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator conducts E-rate training sessions throughout the Commonwealth, providing training for beginners and veterans. Information on these training sessions is as follows:

E-rate Beginners Training Due to the high numbers of school and library personnel new to the E-rate program, there will be three in-person, full-day training workshops presented in October/November to assist new applicants. The training will contain details of current program rules, eligible services, CIPA, gift rules, bid evaluations, discount calculations, and each step and form of the program. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the workshop running from 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Each training is identical and lunch will be provided. Also, each attendee will receive a comprehensive 3-inch E-rate Resource Manual that contains copies of the PowerPoint presentation, fact sheets, forms, sample letters, tips, etc. Seating is limited and you must register to attend (see below). There is no fee to attend, but you will be charged $50 if you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice.
Complete 2012 Training Binder
1) Riverview Intermediate Unit (Clarion) Address of Training Location: 270 Mayfield Road, Clarion, PA 16214	COMPLETED
2) Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit (Schnecksville) Address of Training Location: 4210 Independence Dr, Schnecksville, PA 18078	COMPLETED
3) Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 (Harrisburg area) Address of Training Location: 55 Miller Street, Enola, PA 17025-1640	COMPLETED

E-rate Veterans Training To present changes to the program, window application dates, and new rules and requirements, a 2.5 hour webinar has been scheduled. There is no fee to participate and registration is required. Instructions for logging-in to the webinar are below. Powerpoint presentation	COMPLETED
E-rate Training for Non-Public Schools A special 2 hour webinar specifically geared to address the needs of nonpublic school officials will be held this year. Training will consist of E-rate basics, but also alternative discount mechanisms and technology plans. Please note that if you are a complete beginner, you will probably want to attend the full-day beginners training instead to gain a full understand of the program. There is no fee to participate and registration is required. Instructions for logging-in to the webinar are below. Powerpoint presentation	COMPLETED
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DAY OF THE WEBINAR: Please go to http://vclass.cciu.org and click on the NAME OF MEETING link under the Meeting Name Column. (You may join the room 30 minutes prior to the start time). Connect your speakers, microphone and/or headset before joining the Webinar. Go to: http://vclass.cciu.org and locate the course. Use your First and Last Name as your Login Name and click "Log In" (there is no password for this session). You will automatically be taken to the Elluminate Session where the presentation will be held.

Training and update sessions also are conducted at various technology conferences and education association conferences. If your organization is hosting a meeting of E-rate eligible applicants and you would like an E-rate update or training provided, contact Julie Tritt Schell.

SLD Training Materials

The School and Libraries Division (the E-rate Administrators) annually conduct training for applicants.  To download the training presentations, visit:  http://www.universalservice.org/sl/about/training-presentations/.