PARKERSBURG - West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Roane County Schools have received a nearly $300,000 grant from the USDA Rural Utilities Services.
The money will be used to develop collaborative programs in Roane and Ritchie counties to improve health and well-being of citizens in rural areas through training, activities and advocacy.
The $298,330 grant will allow WVU-P to purchase video conferencing equipment in order to provide synchronous educational opportunities for program participants. The system will allow individuals to earn course credit or training hours with face-to-face interaction without having to travel to the college. Program offerings will be available by early summer.
"This is a continuing effort on the part of the college to reach out into the community to provide valuable and necessary training to enhance the quality of life in our area," said Rhonda Tracy, WVU-P senior vice president for academic affairs.
The grant funding, which was announced in December, was awarded to recipients in 34 states.
"This program delivers educational and medical opportunities that are urgently needed in remote, rural areas," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "President (Barack) Obama has said that no matter where you live in America, you should have access to quality educational opportunities"
