Press Releases

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, based in Roanoke County, Virginia, a $570,892 grant. The funding will support the deployment of distance learning technology for the Minnick Schools in Buchanan, Roanoke, Wise and Wythe Counties, and the City of Bristol. 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 $570,892 helps provide instructors with distance learning technology so they can virtually serve hundreds of students from Buchanan, Roanoke, Wise and Wythe Counties, and the City of Bristol.”

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.

The Minnick Schools offer social skills groups and individualized behavioral supports to students with emotional and learning disabilities. Minnick schools are located in Grundy, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Wytheville, Wise, and Bristol and serve students from surrounding localities.

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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