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Universal Service Fund

Nick Leiserson and Michael Klein: Urgent Changes Needed to Update the E-Rate Program

In the News, Op-ed

Nick Leiserson and Michael Klein: Urgent Changes Needed to Update the E-Rate Program

For Broadband Breakfast, IST Senior VP for Policy Nicholas Leiserson and Senior Director for Preparedness and Response Michael Klein make the case for expanding the FCC’s E-Rate program to bolster the cybersecurity resilience of K-12 schools.
cybersecurity, E-Rate, K-12 Education, Ransomware, Universal Service Fund
October 1, 2025
Including Cybersecurity in the E-Rate and Rural Healthcare Programs: IST Submits Comments to Congress on Potential Reforms to the Universal Service Fund

Blog

Including Cybersecurity in the E-Rate and Rural Healthcare Programs: IST Submits Comments to Congress on Potential Reforms to the Universal Service Fund

In comments to the Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group, Nicholas Leiserson and Michael Klein urge Congress to include cybersecurity as a fundable activity for the E-Rate and Rural Healthcare programs as part of any Universal Service Fund reform effort.
congress, cyber, cybersecurity, E-Rate, education, k-12, RFI, schools, Universal Service Fund
September 16, 2025
Michael Klein joins press conference announcing $3.7 million grant for Kentucky school cybersecurity

In the News

Michael Klein joins press conference announcing $3.7 million grant for Kentucky school cybersecurity

IST Senior Director for Preparedness and Response Michael Klein joined a Jefferson County Public Schools press conference in Louisville, Kentucky to announce a $3.7 million award from the Federal Communications Commission to bolster the district’s cybersecurity defenses. 
cyber, cybersecurity, E-Rate, education, FCC, k-12, Universal Service Fund, USF
August 20, 2025
Institute for Security and Technology Suggests Revising E-Rate

In the News

Institute for Security and Technology Suggests Revising E-Rate

In a recent memo, IST Senior VP Nicholas Leiserson recommended policy changes to make the USF a resource for school cybersecurity, including expanding E-Rate coverage. The E-Rate program has already helped to close the internet connectivity gap, but connectivity without security leaves school districts vulnerable to attacks, IST Senior Director Michael Klein explained to Government Technology.
cybersecurity, K-12 Cyber Defense Coalition, Universal Service Fund
August 19, 2025
Cybersecurity Considerations for Universal Service Fund Reform

Memo, Primer

Cybersecurity Considerations for Universal Service Fund Reform

As the speed, scope, and impact of cyber threats to K-12 schools continues to increase, Congress has expressed a clear desire to reinvigorate the Universal Service Fund (USF) through legislation. IST SVP for Policy Nicholas Leiserson explores how USF funding, through the FCC's E-Rate Program, could bolster cybersecurity resources for K-12 schools.
congress, cyber, cybersecurity, E-Rate, education, k-12, schools, Universal Service Fund, USF
July 25, 2025
Accessible and Secure: Exploring Options to Improve K-12 Cybersecurity through the Universal Service Fund

Blog

Accessible and Secure: Exploring Options to Improve K-12 Cybersecurity through the Universal Service Fund

The Federal Communication Commission’s pilot program to bring cybersecurity resources to K-12 schools received over $3.7 billion in requests for assistance, more than fifteen times the program budget. Last week, IST Senior Director Michael Klein hosted a virtual event to check in on the pilot’s progress, and discuss options for updating the USF.
cybersecurity, E-Rate, FCC, k-12, Universal Service Fund, USF
July 14, 2025
On the Front Lines: Utilizing the Universal Service Fund to Support K-12 Cybersecurity

Event

July 11, 2025 2:00 pm

On the Front Lines: Utilizing the Universal Service Fund to Support K-12 Cybersecurity

Cyber incidents affecting K-12 schools are routine, but resources are scarce for communities on the front lines of the cybercrime epidemic. On July 11, IST hosted practitioners & experts to discuss how the FCC’s Universal Service Fund can be used to improve K-12 cybersecurity.
cybersecurity, E-Rate, education, FCC, k-12, schools, telecom, Universal Service Fund
July 11, 2025