We proudly announce that Columbiana Exempted Village School District has been selected as one of only five schools in the state to receive over $1.1 million in grant funding from the USDA in Ohio. In total, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in Ohio has awarded nearly $4.4 million in grant funding to five school districts across the state through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.
This funding will empower rural communities by providing access to advanced telecommunication technology, enabling expanded educational, professional development, and health care opportunities. Highlights include:
Columbiana Exempted Village School District receiving $1,119,895 to connect sites across three counties.
Grants supporting STEM education, remote learning, and telehealth initiatives for thousands of students, educators, and residents.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development in Ohio
200 N. High St., Room 507
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: mark.mccann@usda.gov
USDA Awards Nearly $4.4 Million to Build Ohio’s Distance Learning and
Telemedicine Infrastructure
Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2025 – In 2024, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
awarded nearly $4.4 million in grant funding to five Ohio school districts through its Distance
Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.
This program helps rural communities purchase advanced telecommunication technology so
residents can access essential educational, professional development, and health care resources.
“Connectivity is essential for helping rural communities access educational, professional
development, and health care resources that otherwise would not be available to them,” said
Jonathan McCracken, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Ohio. “This funding will provide the technology that expands their world and ensures a brighter, healthier future for rural students across Ohio.”
This year USDA awarded 131 grants in 38 states and Guam, investing nearly $81 million to expand
opportunities for residents in rural and Tribal communities so they have access to remote
educational, professional development, and health care services.
Ohio’s 2024 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant recipients are:
Columbiana Exempted Village School District in Columbiana, Ohio, received a $1,119,895 grant to
purchase videoconferencing equipment that connects six hub sites and five hub / end-user sites that expands educational and professional development services for more than 1,800 students and staff members in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Portage counties.
Riverdale Local School District in Mount Blanchard, Ohio, received an $826,327 grant to equip one hub / end-user site in Hancock County with advanced two-way interactive distance learning technology. It will help teachers deliver remote instruction and provide students with internship and career training opportunities.
Black River Local School District in Sullivan, Ohio, received an $809,872 grant to equip six end-
user sites in Ashland, Huron, Wayne, and Lorain counties in Ohio. The display and computer
technology will help deliver STEM courses, coordinate book clubs, hold virtual field trips, and
provide other programming and educational opportunities for more than 2.200 elementary and
middle school students in these districts. Additionally, the award will allow the school district to
partner with schools in Clinton County, Illinois, and in Mason County, West Virginia.
Crestwood Local School District in Mantua, Ohio, received a $918,724 grant to equip three hub
sites and three end-user sites in Portage and Lake counties with telecommunication equipment so instructors can provide remote educational courses and professional development opportunities to more than 1,300 students and 120 teachers.
Pymatuning Valley Local School District in Andover, Ohio, received an $849,223 grant to equip
four hub / end-user sites in Ashtabula County with computer and camera equipment helping deliver behavioral tele-health and substance abuse care and college credit courses for more than 1,100 patients and students.
Eligible applicants for these grants include state and local governmental entities, federally
recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants expand opportunities for students to participate in
classes that may be in places too far to access in person; for teachers to provide instruction and
other educational opportunities to students in remote areas; and for patients seeking specialized
care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or
communities.
USDA Rural Development offers grants, loans, and loan guarantees to expand economic
opportunities, improve infrastructure, and provide safe, affordable housing for residents in rural
communities. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
To receive USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.
-30-
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
USDA Rural Development has five offices in Ohio – Columbus, Findlay, Hillsboro, Marietta, and
Massillon. To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Ohio, call (614) 255-2400 or
visit our website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/oh.