10/26/2026
Jackson County Public Schools Awarded $748,929 USDA Grant to Expand Educational Opportunities
Beyond the Mountains Project Will Bring Advanced Distance Learning Technology to Jackson County Classrooms
MCKEE, KY — Jackson County Public Schools is proud to announce that the district has been awarded $748,929 through the USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program to support its innovative Beyond the Mountains Project. The grant will provide advanced technology to expand educational opportunities, strengthen instructional resources, and connect students and educators with learning experiences beyond the boundaries of Jackson County.
The grant award was formally presented on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Jackson County High School by Travis Burton, State Director for USDA Rural Development. District leaders, educators, community partners, and invited guests gathered\ to celebrate this significant investment in the future of education in Jackson County.
The Beyond the Mountains Project was developed to address the unique challenges faced by rural school districts, including geographic isolation, limited access to specialized instruction, and barriers to postsecondary educational opportunities.
Through this funding, Jackson County Public Schools will purchase 75-inch interactive panels, professional-grade video conferencing equipment, Chromeboxes, and teacher laptops to transform traditional classrooms into interactive distance learning environments.
The new technology will allow the district to:
Expand Dual-Credit Opportunities: Connect high school students with college professors and coursework through partnerships with institutions such as Eastern Kentucky University, Somerset Community College, and the University of the Cumberlands, reducing the need for students to travel outside the county.
Increase Access to Specialized Instruction: Provide students with opportunities to participate in courses and learning experiences that may not otherwise be available due to staffing limitations.
Enhance STEAM and Cultural Learning: Offer interactive virtual field trips, collaborative projects, and real-time connections with experts in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
Strengthen Teacher Professional Development: Give educators greater access to specialized training, continuing education, and collaborative learning opportunities without the challenges of extensive travel.
The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 1,200 students in grades 4–12 and 67 educators throughout the district.
The grant application received strong support from educational institutions, community organizations, and local and state leaders, including the Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative, Eastern Kentucky University, Somerset Community College, the University of the Cumberlands, People's Rural Telephone Cooperative, and the Jackson County Board of Education.
This investment represents an important step toward ensuring that students in rural communities have access to the same educational resources and opportunities available in larger school districts.
Through the Beyond the Mountains Project, Jackson County Public Schools is committed to removing geographic barriers, preparing students for college and careers, and empowering educators with the tools necessary to deliver high-quality instruction.
