Press release
North Central State College has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nearly $250,000 to collaborate and connect with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and one elementary, one middle, and two high schools. The grant is intended to promote distance learning opportunities for rural residents.
The grant awarded is one of 75 projects across 31 states and the Western Pacific to expand distance learning and telemedicine opportunities in rural areas. NC State’s award is the only grant awarded in the state of Ohio. The total amount awarded was $23.4 Million for all 75 Projects.
“Rural communities often lack access to specialized medical care or advanced educational opportunities necessary for stronger rural economies,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These grants will help increase access to health care and many other essential services.”
The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine program. They may be used to purchase equipment to provide educational and telemedicine services to rural communities.
Dr. Dorey Diab, President of NC State looks forward to providing educational opportunities to students in rural areas, “We’ve done a lot here in north central Ohio to reach out, reach down, and look forward to meeting the educational needs of our students. This grant will help us find new ways to reach into more remote locations and provide quality education to students and families who struggle logistically to get to one of our facilities to enroll. If education is the great equalizer, then this grant will help us provide equal access to every student.”
Planning of the grant project is already underway. Implementation will begin in 2016.