(U.S. Senate) - Thirteen Montana schools will receive grants to purchase technology used for distance learning, U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced today.

Winnett, Grass Range, Judith Gap, Skyview, Gardiner, Brockton, Moore, Lavina, Hardin, Thompson Falls, Victor, Troy, Eureka, and Hamilton school districts will invest in high-tech upgrades for classrooms designated for distance learning.  The schools will use the grants to purchase video-teleconferencing equipment, video cameras, smartboards, and broadband access.

The hi-tech classrooms will connect students with other school districts and educators throughout Montana, the United States, and the rest of the world.

"Montana students have a great work ethic and it's our job to give them the tools they need to be as competitive as possible," said Baucus. "These new opportunities will connect students in rural Montana to a whole new world of ideas that will inspire them to think critically about how to create the kinds of good-paying jobs our communities need. In addition, investing in education draws businesses to the state by creating a qualified workforce and sending a signal far and wide that Montana is a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"Investing in our kids and the tools they need to be competitive in the future is a key for rebuilding our economy with good-paying jobs," Tester said. "This simple investment will expand the educational opportunities for thousands of Montana students to give them more opportunities for their future."

The schools will receive grants totaling $961,464 through the U.S. Department Agriculture Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. The amount each school district will receive is yet to be determined.

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Contact:         Kate Downen (406) 224-5056/Jennifer Donohue (202) 224-2651/Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915 (Baucus)

Aaron Murphy (406) 252-0550/Andrea Helling (202) 228-0371 (Tester)