Altus college receives nearly $1 million grant

STILLWATER — Western Oklahoma State College in Altus has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to expand professional development in Greer, Harmon and Jackson counties.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn made the announcement, which was awarded on behalf of the Biden Administration.

Funding is through USDA Rural Development’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. The program helps rural education and health care entities remotely reach students, patients and outside expertise. These capabilities make world-class education and health care opportunities accessible in rural communities, according to a press release.

“Through this grant the staff at Western Oklahoma State College is able to directly reach the classrooms of rural high schools to help prepare those students and improve our educational outcomes for rural and tribal communities,” Corn said in a statement.

This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other — and the world — overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance these key priorities:

• Supporting health care needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and helping prepare for future pandemic events

• Ensuring racial equity

• Rebuilding our rural economy

• Addressing the climate crisis

To learn more, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/ok.