USDA Rural Development Announces Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Awarded to Local School Districts

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Missouri State Director Ben Baker joined the Summersville R-II and Winona R-III School Districts to celebrate their recently awarded Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. The grants will help modernize classroom technology across the district and bridge critical healthcare gaps for the surrounding community.

"The school put in tremendous effort to obtain this grant, and we are extremely proud to partner with them," said USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director Ben Baker. "These Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants build on the existing strength and resilience of Summersville and Winona. By equipping our community with modern digital tools, we are unlocking new opportunities in education and healthcare so our families can continue to thrive right here at home."

USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program is a highly competitive, nationwide initiative designed specifically for rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer. The program aims to overcome the challenges of remoteness and low population density by funding advanced telecommunications equipment. Rather than funding internet service subscriptions or structural building construction, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program funds the foundational capital assets required to link local facilities to global networks.

These two school districts received Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants:

• Summersville School District R-II received a $691,517 grant to provide access to educational resources and enrichment opportunities through live, interactive video conferencing technology. Students across all grades will gain enrichment, dual credit, workforce development and career and technology course opportunities within Shannon and Texas counties in Missouri.
  
• Winona R-III School District received a $578,934 grant to deliver high-quality distance learning torural Shannon County residents across three sites using laptops, hotspots, and video conferencing equipment. This project expands educational opportunities for students and community members facing significant barriers to technology.

USDA Rural Development remains dedicated to empowering rural communities through targeted investments that strengthen local infrastructure, expand educational equity, and improve health care access. The Summersville project stands as a prime reflection of how strategic community partnerships and reliable technology can come together to help rural students, families, and neighbors thrive.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/mo , subscribe to GovDelivery updates , and follow us on X at https://x.com/RD_Missouri .

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