Students can now receive a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband internet service. The new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), started by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will send funds directly to broadband providers to help eligible families pay for home internet access every month.

The program also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 per household toward the purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet. The device must be bought with a participating broadband provider; a list of these can be found at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers.

Ulster BOCES has extended this offer to their students, for whom reliable internet is essential to success in school. Home access can be expensive, and this new program aims to ease the bills.

All households participating in Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch/Breakfast, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, are eligible for ACP assistance. It is also available to families with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (find them here: affordableconnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify).

If one member of your household has received a federal Pell grant this year, or receives SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8 vouchers, project-based rental assistance, public housing, supplemental security income, WIC supplemental nutrition, Lifeline communications service aid, a veteran’s pension or survivor benefits, ACP aid is available to you.

Those who already meet the criteria for a participating provider's low-income internet program are eligible as well.

Residents of tribal lands can get even more benefits through the program, up to $75 per month towards broadband access.

To enroll in the program, visit affordableconnectivity.gov and fill out the online application. These can also be printed and mailed to the ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. You can also apply and select a plan through your internet company.