Mount Vernon (FOX 56) — The United States Department of Agriculture is expanding distance learning technology in three southeastern Kentucky school districts.
On Monday, officials announced that schools in Bell County, Knox County, and Rockcastle County received more than $2.8 million in distance learning grants.
USDA State Director Travis Burton said the funding goes beyond simply providing equipment and instead focuses on removing barriers for students across the Commonwealth.
“We want to yell about it from the top of the mountains because it is the way forward. It is creating new opportunities for students here in rural Kentucky,” he said.
Rockcastle County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carrie Ballinger said the district is using the technology to connect with classrooms in other states, teach anatomy courses, and support students who are hospitalized.
“They’re able to connect socially, make friends over this virtual instruction, and able to integrate themselves into the general education classroom,” she said. “And providing those educational opportunities that every student deserves, no matter where their zip code.”
Burton said the USDA plans to continue expanding access to technology for school districts throughout rural Kentucky.
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