Reid State Technical College was awarded a $534,340 grant for Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning through the U S Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office.

The grant will provide Reid State $399,678 and allow the college to partner with area high schools to provide distance learning connections for dual enrollment and various other courses. The grant requires a match of $124,372 of requested equipment, which will be funded through the Alabama Community College System.

Adult students will also be able to participate in course offerings through GED and General Education courses.

In addition to the high school connection, the Poarch Creek Indian Education Department and the Adult Education program in Camden will have connections.

Implementation of the RUS Distance Learning Grant will allow economically and academically disadvantaged students in Reid State’s rural service area to enhance their academic experience.   The grant will provide access through videoconferencing connections between high schools and Reid State campuses.  Reid State’s Atmore and Evergreen campuses will serve as hubs providing students at high schools in Butler, Conecuh, Escambia, and Wilcox counties connection to videoconferencing for access to classes providing dual enrollment credits and workforce training.

Course offerings are planned to begin Fall Semester 2016. A pilot program is planned for summer semester at Greenville High School. Pilot course offerings include general education courses in math, English, some sciences and with additional offerings of medical terminology or GED courses.

 

The RUS-DLT grant was awarded to two colleges in Alabama: Reid State and the Alabama Fire College.