The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants program. Grants would be used to help rural communities increase access to education, training and health care.

Nearly $72 million in grant money will be available through the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program, designed to help rural communities use telecommunications-based audio and video equipment to connect teachers, students, medical providers and rural residents with each other across the globe.

USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

To be eligible, applicants must be in rural areas of 20,000 people or less and provide education or health care services through telecommunications facilities. The applications will be reviewed and scored on a competitive basis. To improve the chance of selection, the USDA recommends that applicants base their submissions on recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to help improve the quality of life in rural America.

The USDA further recommended that applicants consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation, particularly projects in rural Opportunity Zones.

Some potential areas for applicants to consider:

• Achieving e-connectivity for rural America
• Developing the rural economy
• Harnessing technological innovation
• Supporting a rural workforce
• Improving quality of life 

Additionally, USDA encouraged applications that will support the Administration’s goal to combat substance use disorder, including opioid misuse, in high-risk rural communities by strengthening the capacity to address prevention, treatment and/or recovery.

All applications must be submitted to the applicant’s nearest USDA office or electronically via grants.gov by April 10.