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Trump Administration Partners with Ferris State University to Improve Rural Distance Learning

Name
Alec Lloyd
Phone
City
East Lansing
Release Date

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $72 million in grants to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities.   

“Increasing access to telemedicine and distance learning is critical to building healthier and more resilient rural communities,” said Secretary Sonny Perdue. “Paired with our monumental effort to expand high-speed broadband access in rural America, these investments will help rural health care centers and education institutions reach more rural residents with essential services and opportunities. Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Ferris State University will use a $669,216 grant through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program to create a system of hubs and end-users that establishes virtual reality (VR) equipped classrooms in 17 rural high schools and three career and technical education centers throughout 11 counties. Funds will also help provide related professional development and training. These classrooms will allow students to participate in synchronous online Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-based dual enrollment courses with immersive VR technology

“This continues USDA’s historic investments in rural Michigan infrastructure,” said USDA State Director for Michigan Jason Allen.  “Ferris State is one of many universities that is leveraging educational resources to reach rural areas and we are always looking for more partners.”

Participating schools are located in Benzie, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford counties and include:

  • Benzie Central Senior High School
  • Montabella Junior/Senior High School
  • Creative Technologies Academy High School
  • Baldwin High School
  • West Shore Educational Service District Career and Technical Education Center
  • Big Rapids High School
  • Chippewa Hills High School
  • Crossroads Charter Academy Middle/High School
  • Mecosta-Osceola Career Center
  • Morely Stanwood High School
  • Lake City High School
  • Central Montcalm High School
  • Tri-County High School
  • Shelby High School
  • Evart High School
  • Marion High School
  • Pine River Area High School
  • Reed City High School
  • Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center
     

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office. 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.