Kan-ed, a statewide information network administered by the Kansas Board of Regents, has named 94 organizations as recipients of equipment and technology grants.
Kan-ed has so far awarded $2.1 million in grants this year to its members for upgrades or enhancement of video conference equipment.
Kan-ed serves to connect the state's hospitals, libraries, higher education institutions and K-12 public and private schools with high-speed bandwidth to bring members together through Interactive Distance Learning and the exchange of data. Membership benefits include shared databases, video-conferencing, telemedicine and content otherwise unavailable or available at costs too prohibitive for most schools, libraries and hospitals.
"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 healthcare 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."
The grant program was created in 2004 and is open to all connected Kan-ed members or members that agree to connect to the network. Currently, Kan-ed has 834 members, with 288 members connected to the network for high-speed access to resources and programs. The program is funded by state appropriations, revenue generated through the E-rate program and federal sources.
The 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.