iSchool Capstone

E-Rate Helper

Project tags:

data science & visualization

equity & inclusion

ux & interaction design

The E-Rate program provides funding for libraries and schools to access affordable internet and telecommunications services. However, the participation rate of libraries is significantly lower than schools. Our project aimed to address this issue by creating a tool that would increase library participation rates. Through surveying over 60 libraries, we created multiple features for our tool to help increase library participation: an application walkthrough, discount rate calculator, peer library comparison, and many more. By making the E-Rate program more accessible to libraries, we hope to bridge the digital divide and improve the lives of those who rely on these services.

Project participants:

Tommy Huynh

MSIM

Jennifer Thao

MSIM

Akeel Qazi

MSIM