# USDA Awards Missouri Distance Learning Grants

On October 22, 2026, USDA Rural Development awarded two Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants totaling $1,270,451 to Summersville School District R-II and Winona R-III School District in Missouri. The awards support interactive learning technology and equipment, including video-conferencing systems, laptops, and hotspots; the funding does not cover internet subscriptions or building construction. For suppliers and implementation providers, the awards signal funded rural education and telemedicine deployments, although they do not establish that either district has issued a solicitation.

- The awards are $691,517 for interactive video conferencing and educational, workforce-development, and career-technology courses, and $578,934 for distance-learning equipment serving three sites.
- Technology providers can assess whether the districts have related equipment, installation, or implementation needs; the grant scope excludes recurring internet subscriptions and construction.
- The awards demonstrate USDA Rural Development grant funding reaching Missouri school districts for rural learning and telemedicine technology, relevant to contractors serving similar district-level deployments.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)
- Summersville School District R-II
- Winona R-III School District

### Key Quotes
> These Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants build on the existing strength and resilience of Summersville and Winona. By equipping our community with modern digital tools, we are unlocking new opportunities in education and healthcare so our families can continue to thrive right here at home.
> — Ben Baker, USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director

### Sources
- [USDA Rural Development Announces Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Awarded to Local School Districts | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-development-announces-distance-learning-and-telemedicine-grants-awarded-local-school) - USDA