The Columbiana Exempted Village School District was selected as a recipient for over $1.1 million in grant funding from the USDA in Ohio.

Columbiana Exempted Village School District received the $1,119,895 grant to purchase videoconferencing equipment that expands educational and professional development services to more than 1,800 students and staff members in Columbiana, Mahoning and Portage counties. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development awarded nearly $4.4 million in grant funding to five Ohio school districts through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program.

"Connectivity is essential for helping rural communities access educational, professional development and health care resources that otherwise would not be available to them," said Jonathan McCracken, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Ohio. 

"This funding will provide the technology that expands their world and ensures a brighter, healthier future for rural students across Ohio." 

This year, the USDA awarded 131 grants in 38 states and Guam, investing nearly $81 million to expand opportunities for those communities. 

Eligible applicants for these grants include state and local government entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses.

Anyone who is interested can visit www.rd.usda.gov for more information.