Browning Public Schools Receive Distance Learning Grant
USDA Rural Development formally awarded a grant in the amount of $498,746 to Browning Public School District #9 through its Rural Utilities
Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program.
The funds will be used in conjunction with $191,172 in matching funds from the grantee to provide distance learning services to twelve rural schools
throughout the State of Montana. The program seeks to help level the playing field for disadvantaged rural students in economically depressed areas.
Janelle Gustafson, Acting State Director for Rural Development said "This investment in Browning, as well as other rural tribal schools, helps
bridge the educational gaps we often face here in Montana. We’re pleased to be a part of this effort to provide greater educational access to
students in Browning, Poplar, and Wyola."
The schools and towns taking part in this program are:
| Browning High School, Browning, MT (HUB) | Wyola School, Wyola, MT |
| K.W. Bergen School, Browning, MT | Wyola 7-8, Wyola, MT |
| Vina Chattin School, Browning, MT | Poplar 5-8, Poplar, MT |
| Napi School, Browning, MT | Poplar High School, Poplar, MT |
| Browning Middle School, Browning, MT | Poplar School, Poplar, MT |
| Babb Elementary School, Babb, MT | West High School, Billings, MT (HUB) |
Educational content will be provided by Blackfeet Community College and will allow students access to a broader sphere of educational
opportunities including dual enrollment that will help prepare them for post-secondary higher education. The increased curriculum availability
will bring the end-user schools on par with larger, more affluent districts. It will also allow these culturally rich areas of Montana to
share their heritage with other areas across the state.
USDA Rural Development invests federal funds in rural communities across Montana and the nation. Our funding is provided in no small part
through the efforts of the Montana Congressional delegation of Senators Baucus and Tester, and Congressman Rehberg.
