Iowa has received $26.2 million in federal relief to fund broadband access for students, the Iowa Department of Education announced this week. Iowa’s grant is part of the nearly $3 billion Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Iowa Department of Education and the state Office of the Chief Information Officer are conducting a statewide survey regarding barriers Iowans face to remote learning, including broadband access. The household survey targets families with K-12 students but also asks about college students; the intent is to prioritize areas of the state with the greatest need based on survey results. GEER funds are in addition to the $71.6 million Iowa received in federal relief for schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund within the CARES Act.
