Rogers Announces Distance Learning Funds
Friday, September 19, 2008

Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $170,698 grant for the Somerset-based Center for Rural Development to expand its teleconferencing services for new distance learning programs.  The funding will allow the Center to upgrade and expand its interactive videoconferencing network, called CenterNET2, to integrate nine distance learning classrooms at eight Kentucky community colleges, including Lindsey Wilson College, Union College and Pikeville College.

“Through its advancement of videoconference technology, the Center for Rural Development has once again proved that a rural setting should never prevent Kentuckians from having access to the best possible job-training and educational opportunities,” stated Rogers. “The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a national leader in the deployment of broadband, and I applaud the Center for capitalizing on the widespread availability of high-speed Internet by expanding CenterNET2 to these new community colleges.  This initiative will provide innumerable Kentuckians – young and old – with the chance to increase their skills and knowledge, and their quality of life, no matter where they choose to reside.”
 
With the upgraded telecommunications services, the project will enable Kentuckians to access advanced courses for dual enrollment college credit from community colleges via interactive video and offer enrichment opportunities through virtual field trips.  This will allow students in remote regions to obtain high-quality technical and vocational job training, or work towards their GED, Associates or Bachelors degree.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.  Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.