In addition to the competitive grant program, the DLT program also has loan and grant combination financing and loan financing available. Distance is a barrier that prevents rural residents from accessing high quality educational and health care services. Distance learning and telemedicine services, utilizing Advanced Telecommunications Technologies, can bridge this distance for rural Americans so that they can access the same quality education and health care services as the rest of the nation. Distance Learning Services can provide rural schools, students, teachers, and parents with many new opportunities. A trip to the local library in a rural town can be as rewarding as opening the information door to the world.
Parents can receive continuing education courses increasing career enhancement opportunities.
Health and public safety officials can receive advanced certification training in their local communities without having to travel to major city centers. Telemedicine is the new lifeline for many rural communities. It saves time, money, and valuable resources. By providing rural residents the best medical treatment this country has to offer, via telecommunications links with major medical centers, telemedicine services are making a difference in rural America. RUS funding is helping make these services and their benefits available.