USDA Invests Nearly $750,000 to Expand Distance Learning Access Across Rural Wisconsin

(Stevens Point, Wis., October 7, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced today a $749,400 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant awarded to Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 (CESA 10) in Chippewa Falls. The investment directly supports educational access for 14,445 rural students and 1,914 educators across these 12 counties: Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Marathon, Rusk, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood.

"When we invest in education and support career development for teachers and students alike, the value of that investment stretches far beyond equipment and technology that will be needed for this endeavor," said Iverson. "This investment will go much further to help enrich and strengthen the lives of people who will then be able to make a difference in the lives of others across rural Wisconsin."

Through CESA 10's distance learning consortium, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant will upgrade aging distance-learning infrastructure to bridge educational gaps. Modernizing these systems enables participating districts to address local teacher shortages and offer expanded curriculum, including advanced placement, post-secondary, career and technical education, and college-preparatory coursework.

"In rural Wisconsin, distance learning isn't a luxury, it is a vital tool to ensure our students get an equal shot at success," said CESA 10 Distance Learning Operations Manager Jamie Kampf. "Securing this USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant allows us to replace failing infrastructure and level the playing field for over 14,000 students across our member districts. This funding will reduce geographic barriers and open doors to pathways."

The Rural Development investment will impact 30 Wisconsin school districts, including:

• Abbotsford
• Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan
• Athens
• Auburndale
• Augusta
• Blair-Taylor
• Bloomer
• Bruce
• Colby
• Colfax
• Edgar
• Elk Mound
• Flambeau (Tony)
• Gilmanton
• Granton
• Greenwood
• Ladysmith
• Lake Holcombe
• Loyal
• Marathon
• Mondovi
• Neillsville
• New Auburn
• Osseo-Fairchild
• Owen-Withee
• Regis Catholic (Eau Claire)
• Spencer
• Spooner
• Thorp
• Tomorrow River (Amherst)

USDA Rural Development's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other - and the world - overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.

###