TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 14, 2020– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $658,894 to und the Redesign of Virtual Learning project which is designed to provide high quality virtual learning to students in Kansas.
“Distance learning provides more educational resources to difficult to reach populations,” Hinrichsen said. “This project enhances the focus on rural education. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural America in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”
This Rural Development investment will help fund the Redesign of Virtual Learning project, which is designed to provide high quality virtual learning to students, educators, and community members served by the collaborating 11 school districts within a 10-county area. This project will help address the inequity of educational experiences, resources, and career exploration opportunities in the rural schools of Kansas.
The ten counties participating are:
Edwards McPherson
Harper Ness
Harvey Reno
Kingman Rice
Marion Stafford
Today’s announcement is in conjunction with a larger announcement made by USDA, where it is investing $72 million in 40 states through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program These investments will benefit more than 12 million rural residents.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ks or call (785) 271-2700.
If you’d like to subscribe to Kansas USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Follow us on Twitter @RurDev_Kansas.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
###