ELKO, Nev., August 13th, 2024--Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Nevada State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad celebrated the Elko Institute of Academic Achievement’s (EIAA) ribbon cutting, opening its doors to Elko students and families for the first time. EIAA received an $8.1 million loan via USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans Program. EIAA is also Elko’s only free, public K-8 charter school.
The new 30,000 sq. ft. facility includes 19 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, full-service kitchen, administration area, library, restrooms storage/janitorial space, and special use area which will all serve over 396 students from Elko and surrounding areas. EIAA had previously been operating in a leased warehouse since 2009.
“USDA Rural Development is dedicated to ensuring Elko has the resources it needs to thrive,” said Ingvoldstad. “It’s important to us to ensure rural students have easy access to education in buildings that are safe and sound. As the only free, public K-8 charter school in Elko, we’re proud to know that this investment will serve a vital need for this community for years to come. We look forward to the achievements of the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement and its students.”
USDA Rural Development makes these investments through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. This program helps public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, and federally recognized Tribes develop essential community facilities in rural areas. USDA Rural Development has supported rural areas with this program through the construction of medical clinics, town halls, community centers, and fire departments.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nevadans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nv.
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