UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN RECEIVES FUNDS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK
State: Michigan
Grantee: Delta School Craft Intermediate School District
Counties: Delta and Schoolcraft
Subject: Native American Reservation, Internet Access

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan constitutes approximately one-third of the land mass of Michigan, but represents only three percent of the state’s population. Forestry, tourism, and the paper industry are the principle industries of the region. A decline in business has caused unemployment in some areas to reach as high as 35 percent Continued economic decline in this region has had a negative impact on both K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions. The school districts are faced with eroding tax bases causing teacher shortages and the inability to offer a quality curriculum. Additionally, the local school districts are small and isolated, which presents significant transportation and access to education problems.

Concerned with rural economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for rural residents, local leaders in education, business, industry, government, and health care community formed the Delta-Schoolcraft Regional Education and Technology Task Force. The task force found that the educational and technological skills of their students and community members were directly related to the future economic viability and quality of life in the local communities. The task force developed a strategic framework that was designed to transform their rural, isolated communities into competitive players in a global market. In 1995, the Delta-Schoolcraft task force was awarded an RUS Distance Learning grant of $325 thousand.

The RUS funds were used to equip the school districts with an interactive television system. Through the system, advanced courses in science, math, and foreign language are offered to K-12 students. Pre-vocational and career technical classes are also delivered. By sharing instructional materials and staff resources the system provides cost effective delivery of advanced and specialized courses. Graduate courses are now offered, benefiting those in the community pursuing a college degree, since the nearest university is 90 miles away. Residents of the communities also take advantage of the numerous workshops that are delivered over the system including, job skills training, volunteer firefighter training, and Red Cross classes.