USDA will host an application workshop for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) and Community Connect (CC) Programs on February 4, 2016. The workshop will be held at the USDA State Office located at 1550 Earl Core Road, Room 200, Morgantown, WV. USDA General Field Representative Richard Jenkins will conduct the training. Mr. Jenkins will discuss the DLT program from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the CC program from 1:00 pm – 3:00 p.m. Attendees are welcome to attend one or both sessions.
DLT grants are designed to provide access to education, training, and health care resources for rural Americans. The DLT Program provides financial assistance to encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies that students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents can use. The grants, which are awarded through a competitive process, may be used to fund telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies which extend educational and medical applications into rural areas. Grants are intended to benefit end-users in rural areas, which are often not in the same location as the source of the educational or health care service. Applications are due in mid-March.
The Community Connect program helps fund broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, non-profits and for-profit corporations. While this program has not yet been announced for FY 2016, Mr. Jenkins will discuss the application process, eligibility and be available to answer questions about the program.
