WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $24,000 grant to Allegany College for the Distance Learning Enhancement Program.
  The funding will make it possible for 250 additional students on the Cumberland campus to receive training using distance learning curriculums.

“Education is the key to the American Dream and this ARC grant will make it easier for more Marylanders to access the skills and training they need to succeed,” said
Senator Cardin.
  “I will continue to support programs that will provide Americans with the knowledge and expertise for the changing job market of the 21
^st Century.”

“This funding is a federal investment in workforce training for the people of Western Maryland.  I’m proud that these funds will give more students the opportunity to participate in the important learning programs at Allegany College,” said
Senator Mikulski. “I will continue to fight to keep the students of Western Maryland a priority in the federal checkbook.”

This ARC grant will help fund the acquisition of video conferencing equipment, including: flat screen display equipment, networking and audio system controls and programming software, making it possible to add one more learning distance classroom. The grant builds on past ARC investments that underwrote the development of the first distance learning classroom on the campus.
  The new classroom will be used primarily for workforce training programs in the areas of banking, health care and business and industrial training programs. It is estimated that more than 100 jobs will be created or retained as a result of the training provided.
 

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.