12c Connectivity Grant
On November 13, 2024, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced that a consolidation grant in the amount of $49,853,722 was awarded to Shiawassee Regional Education Service District to connect schools to the Michigan Statewide Educational Network (MiSEN).
School Districts Statewide to Better Serve Students, Save Money with $101M in Grants
Funding is for connecting to the Michigan Statewide Educational Network (SEN) traditional public school districts and charter schools that do not already have high-speed internet access, to meet the goal of having 100% of public schools in the state connected. The network provides the capacity needed to deliver modern digital learning content to classrooms, to ensure that every student can access educational resources, engage in interactive learning experiences, and develop digital literacy skills. Currently, approximately 20% of school districts are not connected to MiSEN’s high-speed internet or are underserved at lower speeds or with limited bandwidth. This condition hinders the ability of districts, educators, and students to maximize the use of technology for teaching, learning, and security measures.
If your school or district is not connected to the State Education Network and you are interested in learning more, please contact [email protected], and a MiSEN team member will connect with you.
MICHIGAN GRANT MATCH REQUEST PROCESS FOR E-RATE
The MiSEN Connectivity Grant Match provides schools with funding for special construction costs associated with high-speed broadband. These schools were identified as a result of a feasibility study or analysis conducted by a district or intermediate district in the manner described under Section 388.1611x and meet the FCC’s long-term connectivity targets. The E-Rate program will increase an applicant’s discount rate for these charges up to an additional 10 percentage points to match the state funding on a one-to-one dollar basis. To be considered for the State Grant Match, follow the process steps below:
STEP 1: Upon completion of the Form 470 E-Rate competitive bidding process and subsequent award of a contract:
1. Grantee to provide MiSEN a copy of the contract award letter issued to the service provider
2. MiSEN issues the grantee a State Grant Match Award Letter
3. Grantee certifies FCC Form 471 seeking E-Rate discounts for the project, indicating there are State Matching Funds available, ensuring the percent match properly aligns with the current funding year’s discount
4. Grantee (applicant) completes the State Grant Match Application with project details and the State Match amount requested
STEP 2: Upon notification of a Funding Commitment Decision Letter from USAC:
1. Grantee provides MiSEN a copy of its Funding Commitment Decision Letter
2. MiSEN issues the grantee a State Grant Match Award Agreement
3. Grantee returns the award agreement along with:
Budget detail spreadsheet showing how they plan to use State Grant matching funds
Funding decision letter from USAC for verification of approval
Approved bid from the service provider showing the scope of work and overall budget.
Signed Contract with service provider
STEP 3: Upon completion of the project, grantee seeks reimbursement of State Grant Matching Funds:
1. MiSEN reviews and audits the reimbursement form and supporting documentation
2. Grantee completes Reimbursement Request Form and returns it to MiSEN with proof of project completion and proof of payment of the non-discounted portion. MiSEN will approve and issue reimbursement to grantee for up to the previously approved project-related State Grant Match amount. Note: If USAC decreases the discount and thus the match, the state match cannot be increased.
Should you have any questions about the State Grant Match Program, please contact us at [email protected].