LITTLE ROCK — Education opportunities for thousands of rural Arkansas students are set to expand with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s announcement of $4.87 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants. The funding will benefit seven schools and institutions statewide by improving access to educational resources through telecommunications technology.
David Branscum, USDA Rural Development’s Arkansas state director, highlighted the importance of the funding in bridging educational disparities. “We’re proud of this telecommunications investment that will increase educational access and opportunities for rural Arkansans,” Branscum said. He added that the projects aim to connect students across the state, strengthen educational opportunities, and support workforce development and community prosperity.
The grant recipients include:
- **Gosnell School District**: Awarded $746,952 to provide distance learning for 1,100 students across Mississippi County. - **Arkansas State University – Mountain Home**: Awarded $720,298 to serve 1,494 students in Searcy and Izard counties. - **Helena-West Helena School District**: Awarded $615,471 to support 1,163 learners in Phillips County. - **Barton-Lexa School District**: Awarded $749,983 to reach 4,000 students in Phillips, Lee, St. Francis, and Monroe counties. - **Searcy County School District**: Awarded $749,119 to help 4,737 students in Searcy County. - **McCrory School District**: Awarded $734,763 to provide distance learning for 1,800 students in Woodruff County. - **Shorter College**: Awarded $555,799 to improve online education for 480 adult learners in Ashley, Chicot, Lincoln, and Union counties.
The funding, part of the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, will help build telecommunications infrastructure for projects including college-level coursework, professional training, and community development. These tools aim to enhance long-term educational access, improve job readiness, and bolster rural prosperity.
For more information about the USDA Rural Development program, visit their official website or contact their Arkansas office.