The Columbiana Exempted Village School District has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand educational and professional development opportunities for students and staff.

The funding, announced Friday, is part of nearly $4.4 million in grants awarded to five Ohio school districts through the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.

The Columbiana district will use the funds to purchase videoconferencing equipment that will connect sites across three counties, benefiting more than 1,800 students and staff members in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Portage counties.

"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."

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program helps rural communities purchase advanced telecommunication technology to improve access to education, professional development, and healthcare services.