ASUMH Receives $720,298 USDA Distance Learning Grant

The federal grant will expand distance learning technology across several northcentral Arkansas schools and a correctional facility.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Distance Learning

ASUMH Receives $720,298 USDA Distance Learning Grant

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Arkansas State University-Mountain Home has received a $720,298 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The total project investment is $828,343, with ASUMH providing a $108,045 match.

Why it matters

The project aims to reduce barriers to education and workforce opportunities caused by geographic isolation, long travel distances, and limited local resources. It is designed to serve approximately 14,319 rural residents across the region.

The USDA grant covers $720,298 of an $828,343 total project, with ASUMH contributing $108,045 as its match. The stub does not state a completion timeline for the classroom, videoconferencing, or virtual reality simulator upgrades.

The players

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

A public two-year campus of Arkansas State University located in Mountain Home, Arkansas, serving the state's northcentral region.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal department that administers the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program funding this project.

The details

The project will upgrade classroom technology, videoconferencing, and collaboration tools at ASUMH, Marshall High School, North Central Career Center, and the Benny Magness Unit Correctional Facility in Calico Rock. It also includes a virtual reality welding simulator, expanded virtual student support for advising and financial-aid guidance, and professional development for faculty and correctional education staff.

November 7, 2026: Announcement of the USDA grant award to ASUMH.

Season Trajectory

This award is one project funded under the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, which supports rural access to remote education and healthcare. It extends that federal program's reach to northcentral Arkansas, where geographic isolation limits access to schooling and trades training.

Students at Marshall High School, North Central Career Center, and the Benny Magness Unit could gain access to upgraded videoconferencing and virtual advising services. Residents in rural northcentral Arkansas may find it easier to pursue technical education and skilled trades training without long-distance travel.

The takeaway

Rural residents seeking college credentials or trades training may soon have more options close to home as these campus and correctional-facility upgrades roll out. Those interested in enrolling can contact ASUMH directly about virtual advising and financial-aid guidance.