Congresswoman McCarthy announced recently that the Holy Spirit School, Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, has been awarded a $4,628. 36 discount on telecommunication services internet access and internal connections. The money is awarded under the E-rate provision in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and will go toward making Holy Spirit school computer and internet accessible.

McCarthy also announced that St. Aidan's School, Willis Avenue, Williston Park will receive $1,925 and that money will be used to make St. Aidan's school computer and internet accessible.

Congresswoman McCarthy said, "I'm delighted we were able to get the money for both the Holy Spirit school and St. Aidan's school. Both schools needed the money to fund telecommunications services. If we want our children to get the best education possible, we have to give them the resources to do so."

Congresswoman McCarthy continued, "The funds will help teachers improve education by giving students who go to these schools access to the up-to-date-technology necessary in preparing them for the 21st century."

The E-rate provides discounts to all public and private schools and public libraries on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections.

In order to receive the E-rate, schools must apply through the Schools and Libraries Corporation (SLC), a not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to administer the E-rate. In its first funding cycle, January 1998 through June 1999, more than 30,000 applications from schools and libraries in the United States were received.