Tom Reed announced the Erie2- Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Board of Cooperative Educational Services (E2CCB) will receive a $221,780 grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program for distance learning. “We care about helping our students get access to the educational resources they need to reach their highest success regardless of where they live. This type of innovation provides access to resources for students from across our region and helps equip them for the jobs of today and tomorrow, something we can all support,” said Reed.

The Rural Development fund will be used to increase video collaboration among 48 public schools in Western New York and the Southern Tier, expanding innovative distance learning educational opportunities in the region.

According to E2CCB Superintendent and CEO, Dr. David O’Rourke, “[t]he collaboration between two B.O.C.E.S. regions of New York State under this program is unique.  It is the result of years of relationship building and collaboration between the two distance learning services.  It will enable students in our rural communities to have new educational opportunities.”

This funding will specifically expand course offerings providing additional opportunities for students to earn college credit during their high school years.

“We are proud supporters of dual enrollment programs, which are part of the solution to getting college costs under control. We are glad to see this type of opportunity come to our region,” said Reed.

In addition, E2CCB and GST Adult Education Programs will use the Distance Learning to expand facilitated readiness, review and career preparation classes for adult learners.