ELKO, NV — Great Basin College (GBC) has been awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding to expand its distance learning capabilities and improve access to higher education for rural residents of Nevada. The grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program, will enable the college to enhance its interactive video technologies and establish new locations to better connect students across its 86,500-square-mile service area.
“This funding is a significant step toward overcoming the geographical and financial barriers that our rural students face,” said Dr. Amber Donnelli, GBC Interim President. “Education is key to closing those gaps, and this grant will allow us to modernize and expand our distance learning technologies, making education more accessible and affordable for students in remote areas.”
Great Basin College currently offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s level programs through distance education, serving more than 2,000 students annually. The new funding will allow GBC to extend the reach of its live, interactive classes, which are currently delivered through video technology to remote students. The upgrade will make it easier for students to access coursework via personal computers and handheld devices, reducing the need for them to travel to specific classrooms.
“For years, GBC has used interactive video equipment at its campuses and partner high schools to offer live classes,” said Dr. Karl Stevens, Dean of Business, Computer Technologies, and Online Education. “This new equipment will allow us to deliver live instruction directly to students’ homes or mobile devices, providing them with a more flexible and accessible learning experience.”
With the USDA grant, GBC plans to enhance its educational offerings and further support students in high-demand fields, including career and technical education. The college’s distance learning programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed for high-skill, high-wage jobs, allowing them to stay in rural communities and build sustainable careers.
“This investment is crucial for our students, enabling them to gain the education and training they need to succeed without leaving their communities,” Dr. Donnelli said. “We are committed to providing collaborative, high-quality educational experiences that help students achieve their career goals.”
For more information about the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant, contact Nicole Maher, GBC Grants Director, at nicole.maher@gbcnv.edu.