Having just returned home from this year’s 2022 Region 2 Head Start Association Conference held in Puerto Rico at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, I can say it was a great event. We had the pleasure of meeting numerous new Head Start organizations as well as seeing some existing clients. It was an excellent event with numerous vendors and many wonderful Head Start Agencies.
For vendors, the E-Rate focused conference kicked off in the ballroom with a welcome reception where we had the opportunity of “talking E-Rate” with many Head Start Administrators. Some were intimately familiar with E-Rate, and some had no idea what the E-Rate program could offer.
For the agencies who were unfamiliar with E-Rate, we were able to educate them on the tremendous value of E-Rate funding. The E-Rate program has the potential of offering your Head Start a 90% discount on your internet bills and an 85% discount on eligible network equipment, maintenance of eligible network equipment, or MIBS. The discounts can literally amount to tens of thousands of dollars a year for your organization.
The conference ended with a wonderful Puerto Rico Night! With a delicious dinner and marvelous entertainment.
All in all, this conference was an excellent experience. We valued the opportunity that E-Rate Advantage had in educating some Head Starts on the importance and benefits of applying for E-Rate funds.