Cannon County Schools Receive Rural Technology Grant

NASHVILLE — Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner Matt Kisber, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, announced today that Cannon County Schools is the recipient of a $225,276 Rural Technology Grant for New Technology Initiatives. Cannon County Schools is one of eight applicants statewide to receive grant money for the development of regional technology research programs.

“Successful economic development begins with solid community development. These grants supporting broadband and other technology initiatives will be instrumental in laying the groundwork for future growth and job creation in rural areas of our state,” Governor Phil Bredesen said.

“Approaching rural economic development with an innovative and out-of-the box mindset is critical if we want to see all of Tennessee grow and prosper,” ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. “These grants are a unique way of encouraging and supporting the advancement of technology, which is good for not only individual communities, but our state as a whole.”

“Rural Tennessee has a lot to offer, and Rural Technology Grants help our communities make the most of their potential,” Rep. Stratton Bone said. “We appreciate this investment and look forward to reaping the benefits of a continuing commitment to technology development and deployment.”

The $225,276 grant will be used for the development of Cannon County Schools’ eLearning Horizons program.

The Rural Technology Assistance Grants are for programs and services that increase technology usage and/or availability in rural counties. The grants were allocated in two categories addressing existing initiatives and new initiatives separately. Recipients of the Existing Initiatives Grant Class were announced last month.

The New Initiatives Grant Category allocates $1,500,000 to competitive grants that address expansion of broadband connectivity in rural counties, decrease K-12 student-to-computer ratios in rural counties, or expand rural distance learning opportunities.

Grant applications were submitted to the Community Development division of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. An independent panel evaluated the applications using a 100-point scale taking into account criteria such as project impact, number of citizens served, project sustainability and the ability of the applicant to implement the program’s goals.