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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities (RUS) Distance Learning program has awarded a $137,331 grant to Riverland Community College.

The distance learning program helps rural communities use the capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. For example, this program can link teachers in one area to students in another.

Riverland’s Technology and Learning Resources team will partner with six school districts in the region to deliver this program to Blue Earth High School, Grand Meadow High School, Lyle High School, Southland High School, Truman High School and United South Central High School.

“This award aligns with Riverland’s mission to transform lives through excellence in service, education and career training,” said Riverland President Adenuga Atewologun in a news release. “Partnering with these school districts will increase access to education in the region, enabling us to make good on our vision to offer the best opportunity for every enrolled student to attain academic and career goals in an ever-changing world.”

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State system, is a community college that strives to transform lives through excellence in service, education, and career training.

Approximately 4,500 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. Of those 55% are first-generation students, and 26% are students of color. With campuses located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

Minnesota State includes 30 community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving approximately 340,000 students. It is the third-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the United States.