Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that a $223,939.25 grant will be awarded to the Hidalgo Independent School District through the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly known as “E-rate.”  This federal program will provide Hidalgo Independent School District funding for internet access, telecommunication services, and basic maintenance of internal connections.

The funding will provide internet data lines that host technological services, including Internet access, online database resources, online sessions and live video conferencing. Hidalgo ISD’s video conferencing technology will allow for distance learning between students and universities. “Tele-medicine” conferences, hosted by the University of  Texas -  Health Science
Center at Houston, will be able to educate children about Diabetes prevention.

“The children in our district are our priority,” said Eloy Garcia, Instructional Technology Director. “We want to offer them the best education as well as keep them healthy. Oftentimes, however, many of our students cannot afford to visit the doctor, so we are facilitating a virtual doctor’s office via tele-conference sessions made possible by this E-Rate grant.”  

The grant will also provide financial assistance for local and long-distance phone lines to facilitate communication with the local community and out-of-town educational resources.

“It is crucial for our district staff to maintain a constant dialogue with our students’ parents, local industries, institutes of higher learning, and as well as with Texas Education Agency,” said Eloy Garcia, Instructional Technology Director. “Enhancing parent involvement and the delivery of meaningful and engaging instructional lessons with 21st century resources is key, and this grant does just that.”

E-rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). E-rate is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international communication services.

“As part of my commitment to enhance the education our youth receive, I am proud that I have helped secure funds for Hidalgo ISD,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I will continue to meet with parents, students, faculty and staff to discuss the tools needed for students’ success.”

For more information on federal grants, feel free to contact the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar at 1-877-780-0028.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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