By ALLISSA KLINE
akline@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1612

The Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES is in line to receive a $375,717 distance learning and telemedicine grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Department, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, announced Thursday.

The funding will improve distance learning and professional development options for students and educators in Western New York, he said. Specifically, eight schools in the region will be able to purchase distance learning system components to gain access to courses, teachers and services not currently available.

Educators will be able to take professional development courses and students will be able to take science, technology, engineering, math, college-ready and other adult education services. The hub site in Olean will be upgraded with new equipment.

The grant is part of the USDA Rural Development annual budget. The Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES received a similar grant for $497,411 from the department in 2006 and another for $498,979 in 2005. It partners with  22 school districts in those four counties to meet the educational needs of all students ages birth to adult in the region.