Description
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program is designed to assist rural communities in acquiring distance learning and telemedical technologies. The program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. The grants support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. The program aims to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.
Key aspects of the program include:
• Eligible grant purposes: acquiring and installing eligible equipment, purchasing extended warranties, site licenses, and maintenance contracts, acquiring or developing instructional programming, providing technical assistance and instruction, and purchasing and installing broadband facilities.
• Ineligible grant purposes: paying for medical or educational equipment not having telemedicine or distance learning as its essential function, paying salaries, wages, or employee benefits, and paying for general office equipment.
• Eligibility requirements: applicants must be legally organized, operate a rural community facility, or deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas.
• Application process: applicants must submit their applications through Grants.gov by the deadline, and must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to registering in Grants.gov.
• Evaluation criteria: applications will be evaluated based on factors such as the eligibility of the applicant, the eligibility of the project, and the completeness and quality of the application.