July 13, 2021
Legislative Update: ECF Funds Window is Open
In response to the crisis in connectivity experienced across our nation, Congress has passed Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The ECF is a $7.17 billion program that allows schools and libraries to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECF will be distributed along the lines of the E-rate program.

The 45-day application window opened on June 29; schools and libraries have until August 13 to apply for the funding. This is a very tight turnaround on a new tranche of funding at the exact time that schools are working to plan and invest unprecedented amounts of federal funding. It is a daunting task, but also critically necessary and possible. 

For more information and resources, check out the ECF's website or Funds for Learning's ECF Guide. Or check out the AASA/AESA webinar on the ECF in coordination with ASBO, “Using Federal Funds to Get Students Connected & Fix the Homework Gap”. 
Your Voice is Needed in Washington DC
Connect with the Experts
At the Educators' Call to Action Conference, AESA’s legislative advocacy team connects you with experts on the legislative topics important to you:

Procurement | Rural Health | COVID Funding
Head Start & Early Learning | Broadband Connectivity
Appropriations & Funding Levels for 2022

Connect with Legislators on Capitol Hill*
While you are there, plan your visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for education issues.

* Face-to-face visits are subject to COVID-19 restrictions that are in force at the time of the conference.
AESA's Communities of Practice
Bring Nationwide Colleagues Close to Home
Entrepreneurial ESA Community of Practice
Begins September 28

Do you ever wonder how other entrepreneurial ESAs design products and services?  How do they decide when to start a new service and when the right time is to stop a service? The purpose of this network is to explore those types of questions and learn with other entrepreneurial ESAs. Sessions will be held virtually six (6) times per year for 90 minutes each session. Additionally, the network participants will be intentional about meeting at AESA national events.

Dates:
All sessions will be held from 2 – 3:30 pm (EST).
  • September 28
  • November 23
  • January 25
  • February 22
  • March 22
  • May 24
AESA's Professional Learning is
Designed Specifically for ESAs
Coming in November - Plan Now!
The experts from AESA will guide participants through four essential topics:

  • Pricing fundamentals
  • Pricing in changing environments
  • Pricing and experimentation
  • Participant case studies

Leaders of ESAs don't need to do it alone. AESA is your organization offering the type of professional learning only found here!
What's the Buzz in AESA's Community?
Critical Race Theory
Communication Resources
The Communication/Public Relations Community is discussing how to communicate about Critical Race Theory. Thanks to several contributors, we have a few articles and a post about how Oregon is approaching this divisive topic.

Information and problem solving - find it in the AESA Community!

The beauty of the AESA Community is not only the information we provide each other but the discussion we have about how ESAs are solving common problems. Please join in! The Community is open to any employee of a member ESA.

Please contact Beth Kabes if you need assistance joining or participating in this free resource.
Business Member Spotlights
Find Career Data for Your State!
AESA Business Partner, Pathways2Careers, has developed a dashboard where you can look for relevant career data for your state.
Within the field of education, a new force is emerging with a strong emphasis on preparing students for the changing demands of today’s careers. A primary goal of recent policymaking activities has been to improve alignment between education practices and workforce needs. As a result, significant efforts have been made to implement career-ready standards and scale up career pathways that prepare students for high-value jobs. In addition, there have been considerable rethinking and reform of career and technical education (CTE) programs to ensure these programs are more in tune with the rapidly shifting needs of employers.
 
To foster employment success among students and to meet the needs of communities, as well as the economy, there must be a vital point of intersection between education and industry. This is especially critical in today’s job market, where the path to employment success is radically changing. Specifically, there is a need for individuals with advanced skills and this need is quickly outgrowing the supply within our current workforce.
Free Webinar:
It's Never too Early to Plan for Retirement
Learn more about the AESA PlanMember Retirement Program!
While you continue serving your employees in the midst of unprecedented health and economic challenges, saving and investing for their future is now more important than ever.

Discover how your employees can access unparalleled financial education and planning services delivered at exclusive AESA pricing.

This webinar will review important information such as:
  • Why retirement education matters;
  • Ongoing education and support for your employees;
  • Complimentary personal retirement plan reports.

Space is limited, register today.
LIVE WEBINAR
Wednesday, Aug. 5
2 p.m. ET
AESA PlanMember Retirement Program 
An Exclusive Retirement Plan Solution for AESA Members
Hosted by: John Bass, Chief Operating Officer, AESA, and Chris Rooney, AESA Director of Business Services

Presented by: Brent Neese, CPFA, CRES, SVP Market Development with PlanMember Services.
Reminder: Registration is OPEN for
Upcoming AESA Events
Educators' Call to Action Conference
September 15-17, 2021
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
AESA Annual Conference
December 1-4, 2021
Marriott Marquis
Houston, TX