WINCHENDON – The town’s public schools are taking a step forward in strengthening digital defenses after being chosen to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.

In January, the FCC announced the selection of 707 participants for the program. This includes 645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia. Nineteen of these participants, including Winchendon Public Schools, were chosen for the three-year pilot.

The Cybersecurity Pilot Program will provide support to schools and libraries, helping them build stronger digital defenses to protect students, staff, and learning resources from cyber threats, according to an announcement. Through this initiative, Winchendon will receive funding for cybersecurity services and equipment that will help to safeguard sensitive information and maintain reliable access to online learning platforms.

According to Bill Clinton, director of technology at Winchendon Public Schools, this funding will cover “cybersecurity for firewall, endpoint management, and training staff for phishing.”

With the growing reliance on digital tools in education, schools face increasing cybersecurity risks, the announcement read. The FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program will allow the commission to evaluate how universal service funds can support cybersecurity measures to protect broadband networks and school data.

According to the FCC’s press release, the program’s $200 million budget comes from reserved, unused universal service funds, ensuring that cybersecurity improvements do not take away from the E-Rate program, which expands digital access for schools and libraries.

Established by the FCC in 1996, the E-Rate program helps U.S. schools and libraries afford broadband and telecommunications services. It offers discounts of 20% to 90% on internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance. Schools with higher percentages of low-income students receive the greatest discounts.

“Making sure our students have access to all the opportunities of the digital world has been a cornerstone of my time at the Commission. It is also vitally important that this access is cybersecure,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

The FCC prioritized applicants with the highest National School Lunch Program participation rates, ensuring low-income and Tribal communities received strong consideration. It also factored in geographic diversity, applicant size, and existing cybersecurity needs.

After being selected, participating institutions will use the Pilot FCC Form 470 to seek bids for cybersecurity services and equipment. After a 28-day waiting period, they will evaluate bids based on price as the primary factor.

The Cybersecurity Pilot Program is part of the FCC’s Learn Without Limits initiative, launched in the summer of 2023 by Chairwoman Rosenworcel. This initiative is designed to ensure that students have the internet access they need for remote learning, completing homework, and utilizing digital education resources.

For more details on the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program and the Learn Without Limits initiative, visit www.fcc.gov.