February 8, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Lisa Friesen, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has been awarded a substantial grant of $1,034,341 over three years through the USDA Rural Development Learning and Telemedicine Program.
Over the next three years, this funding will support collaborative efforts with ten area schools, including Arapaho-Butler, Boone-Apache, Burns Flat-Dill City, Clinton, Cordell, Elk City, Geary, Hinton, Leedey, and Merritt.
The focus of the initiative is to enhance concurrent course offerings through the purchase of advanced technology equipment. The program aligns with the USDA’s key priorities, addressing the challenges faced by rural schools and low population density in these communities. This grant will allow Friesen to work closely with local schools to provide students with the tools needed for effective distance learning.
“This grant expands our partnerships with 10 outstanding school districts to exponentially expand higher education access throughout western Oklahoma. We thank Rural Development for providing us with the opportunity to create learning opportunities that range from credentials to concurrent courses” said SWOSU Provost Dr. Joel Kendall.
This USDA program, with its mission to connect rural communities, promote economic opportunities, and address healthcare needs, aligns with the university’s goal of providing further education in these areas. SWOSU is proud to contribute to these objectives, advancing education accessibility and technological advancement in collaboration with our regional school partners.
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