U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development will accept grant applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program to help people in rural and tribal communities access remote education and health care resources. The DLT program helps fund real-time, interactive distance learning and telemedicine services in rural and tribal areas to increase access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable.

For instance, the DLT program gives students the opportunity to participate in classes that may be in places that are too far to access. DLT funds can also help connect rural people virtually to medical professionals without leaving their home.

USDA plans to make $64 million available in fiscal year 2023. Of this amount, $12 million is intended for projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services to people in rural areas.

Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. Applications must be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov by Monday, Jan. 30. For additional information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov and look under Programs and Services for Telecommunications Programs and then click on Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that meet certain criteria. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.