The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected 78 recipients for the grant of US$ 22.3 million for distance learning and telemedicine in 31 states.
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program is created to improve access to education and medical services through the use of technology. Out of the total, 38 million will be used to provide access to medical services, while 40 million will be used to improve educational opportunities. In Maine, a variety of education and healthcare projects include US$ 267,341 for Maine Administrative School District to purchase video conferencing equipment so that schools can share academic and special education resources and expand adult learning activities. Another US$ 399,817 will connect schools in Maine Administrative District so that they can share resources and access the Aroostook Mental Health Center for special needs students. Administrative District will receive US$ 378,661 to fund a TEC-NET project to provide students with an expanded curriculum, enhanced foreign language instruction and better Internet connectivity. Texas' Education Service Center Region will receive US$ 338,936 to expand distance learning for 30 additional sites in rural areas of central Texas and southern Oklahoma. Northwestern Oklahoma State University will increase access to higher education courses in five rural counties with the help of a US$ 256,390 grant.
