HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has announced up to $300,000 in funding through the Keystone Telepresence Grant Program to assist students unable to attend school due to serious medical conditions. Up to $30,000 is available for each of Pennsylvania’s intermediate units (IUs) to purchase equipment and services that enable virtual participation in classroom activities.
“All learners in Pennsylvania deserve to be able to access the world-class education offered in the Commonwealth, despite extenuating circumstances in their lives,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe.
The program allows IUs to acquire audio and video telepresence technology, which member school districts can loan to students recovering from medical procedures, chronic illnesses, or serious accidents. With this equipment, homebound students can join classes and interact with their teachers and peers in real-time, bridging potential gaps in their education. Grant funds may also be used to train educators and personnel to operate the technology effectively.
To ensure equity, IUs are prohibited from charging public or nonpublic schools for the use of the telepresence equipment or related services when supporting students’ educational needs.
The grant operates on a one-year cycle, with IUs required to submit invoices to PDE for reimbursement within the designated period. Applications for the Keystone Telepresence Grant must be submitted through the eGrants system before the deadline on March 14, 2024. Successful applicants will have access to the funds through the end of the fiscal year.
This initiative exemplifies Pennsylvania’s effort to eliminate barriers to education and support students who face significant health challenges while continuing their academic journeys.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.