U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) today announced that the Altamont Community School Unit District was awarded a $122,923 distance learning and telemedicine grant from US Department of Agriculture Rural Development to collaborate their services at hub sites in Champaign County.

This grant will fund distance learning programs for seven elementary, junior high, and high schools from Crawford, Effingham, and Ogle Counties as part of the Illinois Education Shared Resource Network. This program will allow these seven schools to connect to hub sites at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Urbana High School, to provide students and teachers with an interactive and collaborative network for learning, sharing educational resources, and providing professional development.

“With all of the technology at our disposal today, it’s inspiring to see that these advances are being used to improve the educational experiences for children, teachers, and staff across the region,” Davis said. “While rural schools had previously been at a disadvantage when it came to resources and educational material, it’s inspiring to schools and institutions from rural and urban communities come together to share resources and material for the betterment of their students.”

“As a former high school teacher, I’m excited to join Rodney and Adam in announcing this $122,923 grant,” Shimkus said. “By offering these grants, USDA is making an important contribution to closing the digital divide and expanding educational opportunities in rural communities.”

“Technology is truly the key to unlocking a 21^st century education system where every student, regardless of where they live or what their personal circumstances may be, can access a first class education," Kinzinger said. "Illinois is fortunate to have vast educational resources, and I’m pleased to join my colleagues in announcing this grant that will help students, especially in our rural communities.”