In today's schools, where 21st-century skills are essential to a student's ability to compete in an increasingly global economy, Internet connections are often taken for granted. But for employees in the multitude of schools who rely on the federal E-rate program to fund those Internet connections, simply applying for funding can lead to a confusing process.

Yet, despite the program's complexity, three out of four applicants say the E-rate is meeting its goal of connecting schools and libraries to the Internet, according to a comprehensive new survey--and many applicants say they couldn't do without it.

Conducted by eSchool News and E-rate consulting firm Funds For Learning LLC, the survey polled more than 700 E-rate applicants on a wide range of questions about the program.