Press Releases

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded Wytheville Community College, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $538,728 grant. The funding will support the deployment of distance learning technology and equip sites throughout Bland, Grayson, Smyth, Wise and Wythe Counties, and the City of Galax. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“One educational challenge for rural communities is their lack of access to distance learning and broadband.

“This USDA Rural Development grant for $538,728 helps provide instructors in the Ninth District with distance learning technology to connect to and educate hundreds of students virtually.”

BACKGROUND

The funding is made available through the USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program, which directs grant funds to eligible applicants that will help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other - and the world – and overcome the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Instructors that will deliver distance learning courses and telemedicine education include those at Wytheville Community College, Crossroads Institute in Galax, Bland County High School, Carroll County High School, Grayson County High School, Marion Senior High School, Galax High School and Wythe County Technology Center.

As a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, which overseas issues that pertain to healthcare and telecommunications, Congressman Griffith has advocated for greater access to telemedicine and highlighted the potential benefits telemedicine provides to many rural communities.

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