Organizations receive Kan-ed grants

Kan-ed, a statewide information network administered by the Board of Regents, recently named 94 organizations as recipients of equipment and technology grants.
    “The grant awards provide Kan-ed members with a tremendous opportunity to obtain the latest technology and equipment available in order to enhance video conferencing services,” said Brad Williams, executive director of Kan-ed. “This funding will have direct and positive impacts on the lives of Kansans across the state, as advanced video conferencing technology enables organizations to better serve their communities.
    “Members are bringing together K-12 learning partners around the world, allowing patients to coordinate health care needs with providers separated by geography and facilitating research partnerships at universities. The ability to identify critical member needs and offer opportunities to enhance access through technology contributes to the continued growth of Kan-ed.”
    Through this grant program, created in 2004, Kan-ed distributed $2.1 million in 2008 to its members for upgrades or enhancement of video conference equipment. Any connected Kan-ed member, or a member that agreed to connect to the network, was eligible to apply for funding. Currently, Kan-ed has 834 members, with 288 members connected to the network for high-speed access to resources and programs.
    This program is funded by state appropriations, revenue generated through the E-rate program, and federal sources. Kan-ed reviewed the 139 proposals that were submitted and granted awards to 94 organizations. Priority consideration was given to proposals that focused on meeting infrastructure development goals and objectives for the Kan-ed network and members. The following table outlines the organizations and award amounts.
Higher Education Institutions
Dodge City Community College $24,930.
Hospitals
Edwards County Hospital $11,625.25.
Hodgeman County Health Center $10,193.55.
Meade District Hospital/Artesian Valley Health System $12,247.23.

K-12 Schools
Dodge City USD 443 $8,925.12.
Jetmore USD 227 $42,338.97.
Kinsley-Offerle USD 347 $5,761.06.
    About the Kansas Board of Regents: The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state’s six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities,
a municipal university, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges). In addition, the board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, GED, and career and technical education programs.
    The board also authorizes private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas and administers the Kan-ed network, a statewide network that provides broadband Internet access and distance learning capabilities for schools, hospitals and libraries.
    For more information, contact Jerry Huff at (785) 296-7034 or at jhuff@ksbor.org.
Visit the Kansas Board of Regents online at www.kansasregents.org.
Visit Kan-ed online at www.kan-ed.org.