How the E-Rate Process Works
A clear, step-by-step view of what to expect — from planning to reimbursement.
Our E-Rate specialists can help you identify your next step.
E-Rate Eligible Security for Schools & Districts
Fortinet delivers E-Rate eligible security and networking solutions that help K-12 schools qualify for federal reimbursement while meeting CIPA compliance requirements. Our consolidated platform simplifies the application process and protects students, staff, and faculty — without straining lean IT teams or tight budgets.
Fortinet E-Rate-Eligible Solutions for K-12 Education
Fortinet provides E-rate-eligible security and networking solutions. The Fortinet Security Fabric integrates a broad security and networking product portfolio to offer better protection and easier management of time-consuming tasks. The Fabric reduces complexity, saves IT resources, and provides comprehensive security across threat vectors.
Free Security Awareness and Training Service for all K-12 School Districts and Systems in the U.S.
Fortinet is committed to closing the cybersecurity skills gap by offering all U.S. school district faculty and staff free security awareness training along with our new Security Awareness Curriculum program for all teachers and students across the U.S.
E-Rate & Compliance Challenges
Meeting CIPA Requirements to Qualify for E-Rate
Schools must demonstrate CIPA-compliant content filtering and security controls to remain eligible for E-Rate reimbursement
Maximizing E-Rate Funding on Tight Budgets
Districts need E-Rate eligible solutions that stretch limited budgets while delivering enterprise-grade protection
Navigating E-Rate Application Complexity
The E-Rate process involves multiple steps, deadlines, and documentation requirements that can overwhelm lean IT teams
Why Fortinet for E-Rate
E-Rate Eligible Products
Fortinet's firewalls, switches, and wireless APs are E-Rate Category 1 & 2 eligible, making reimbursement straightforward
Built-In CIPA Compliance
Our integrated solutions include content filtering and monitoring required to satisfy CIPA and maintain E-Rate eligibility
Maximize Your Funding
Fortinet's consolidated platform reduces the number of line items on your E-Rate application, simplifying approval and maximizing reimbursement
Expert E-Rate Guidance
Our specialists help schools navigate the USAC application process from Form 470 through invoicing and reimbursement
Cooperative Contracts Made Easy
Cooperative contract vehicles streamline E-Rate procurement and competitive bidding requirements for Fortinet's full portfolio
K-12 Case Studies
See how U.S. school districts use Fortinet to protect students and staff, support lean IT teams, and get more from their budgets.
East Stroudsburg Area School District
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
A small IT team facing ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and zero-day exploits added endpoint detection and response for 1,500 endpoints, plus SIEM, to its Fortinet Security Fabric. Now it detects and responds to threats faster, with broader visibility and less manual work.
“Security alerts happen all the time, and in order for me to do anything else with my day, I need to have information at my fingertips. Fortinet’s solutions provide me with just that.”
Okeechobee County School District
Okeechobee County, Florida
Facing a deadline from its cyber insurer, the district added FortiEDR and FortiMail to its existing FortiGate and FortiAnalyzer. This met the insurer's requirements and gave the security team back about an hour a day.
“Deploying FortiEDR was a real eye-opener. It caught some malware lurking on workstations that our previous endpoint security system had not detected.”
Council Rock School District
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Council Rock replaced an end-of-life firewall and an outdated phone system by moving its firewalls, switching, wireless, management, SIEM, endpoint protection, and voice onto the Fortinet Security Fabric. Automation saves the district two to three FTEs' worth of time.
“It feels like every time we add a Fortinet device or product to the network, I get more actionable insights that allow me to do what matters: provide a secure and highly available network to teachers and students.”
Spring Branch ISD
Houston, Texas
A two-person security team protecting more than 40,000 students and staff moved to high-availability FortiGate clusters and added secure access and email security, all managed from a single pane of glass, for 24×7 protection.
“The solutions are enterprise-class, and they protect us from all angles—from perimeter to internal threats to email to authentication.”
E-Rate & CIPA Compliance Resources
To qualify for E-Rate discounts, K-12 schools and libraries must certify that they enforce internet safety policies under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Learn how Fortinet helps districts filter even encrypted traffic, protect on- and off-network devices like Chromebooks, and keep their E-Rate eligibility.
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