USDA Awards $842,304 Distance Learning Grant to Northampton Public Schools to Expand Rural Learning Opportunities

(Richmond, Virginia, June 26, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Virginia State Director Beth Green today announced the agency is awarding $842,304 through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program to Northampton County Public Schools in Northampton County.

"The Trump Administration and Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins are focused on investing in rural America," said Green. "USDA Rural Development Virginia is proud to help expand distance learning opportunities for students and teachers across rural Virginia. When we invest in education and create meaningful career development opportunities for both students and teachers, we are investing in far more than technology or equipment, we are investing in lives."

This Rural Development investment will be used to equip four hub/end user sites across Northampton County in southeastern Virgina with interactive panels featuring video conferencing capabilities. Instructors at Northampton County Public Schools will deliver virtual coursework, career training and professional development to expand educational opportunities for students and teachers across the district. The project is expected to benefit 1,520 rural residents, including 1,270 students and 250 faculty and staff members in Virginia.

USDA Rural Development's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program helps rural communities use technology to connect to educational and healthcare opportunities they may otherwise not have access to.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/va .

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