USDA awards nearly $4.4M to build Ohio's distance learning and telemedicine infrastructure
In 2024, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development awarded nearly $4.4 million in grant funding to five Ohio school districts through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.
This program helps rural communities purchase advanced telecommunication technology so residents can access essential educational, professional development and health care resources.
“Connectivity is essential for helping rural communities access educational, professional development, and health care resources that otherwise would not be available to them,” said Jonathan McCracken, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Ohio. “This funding will provide the technology that expands their world and ensures a brighter, healthier future for rural students across Ohio.”
This year USDA awarded 131 grants in 38 states and Guam, investing nearly $81 million to expand opportunities for residents in rural and Tribal communities so they have access to remote educational, professional development, and health care services.
Ohio’s 2024 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant recipients are:
Columbiana Exempted Village School District in Columbiana, Ohio, received a $1,19,895 grant to purchase videoconferencing equipment that connects six hub sites and five hub/end-user sites that expands educational and professional development services for more than 1,800 students and staff members in Columbiana, Mahoning and Portage counties.
Riverdale Local School District in Mount Blanchard, Ohio, received an $826,327 grant to equip one hub/end-user site in Hancock County with advanced two-way interactive distance learning technology. It will help teachers deliver remote instruction and provide students with internship and career training opportunities.
Black River Local School District in Sullivan, Ohio, received an $809,872 grant to equip six end-user sites in Ashland, Huron, Wayne and Lorain counties in Ohio. The display and computer technology will help deliver STEM courses, coordinate book clubs, hold virtual field trips and provide other programming and educational opportunities for more than 2.200 elementary and middle school students in these districts. Additionally, the award will allow the school district to partner with schools in Clinton County, Ill. and in Mason County, W.Va.
Crestwood Local School District in Mantua, Ohio, received a $918,724 grant to equip three hub sites and three end-user sites in Portage and Lake counties with telecommunication equipment so instructors can provide remote educational courses and professional development opportunities to more than 1,300 students and 120 teachers.
Pymatuning Valley Local School District in Andover, Ohio, received an $849,223 grant to equip four hub/end-user sites in Ashtabula County with computer and camera equipment helping deliver behavioral tele-health and substance abuse care and college credit courses for more than 1,100 patients and students.
USDA is now accepting applications through March 6, 2025, for the Fiscal Year 2025 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program. For more information or to apply, go to grants.gov.
Eligible applicants for these grants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants expand opportunities for students to participate in classes that may be in places too far to access in person; for teachers to provide instruction and other educational opportunities to students in remote areas; and for patients seeking specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or communities.
USDA Rural Development offers grants, loans and loan guarantees to expand economic opportunities, improve infrastructure and provide safe, affordable housing for residents in rural communities. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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