The University of Maine System on Tuesday announced $2 million in grants to bolster internet infrastructure and improve education and telehealth access across rural Maine.
Philanthropists Bobby Monks and Bonnie Portia gave $1 million, with another $1 million from the USDA. Funds will be used to expand the reach of the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center as well as telehealth partnerships with Northern Light Health.
Monks says it’s time to make educational opportunities available throughout Maine.
“Right now, as we exit from the pandemic, we are going to be faced in the state and in the country as well as the world with enormous problems. And the best way we’re going to be able to cope with those problems is to have a very robust and healthy higher education program in the state,” he says.
Ray Rice, the president of UMaine in Presque Isle, says the investment will benefit health care offerings in the state.
“It allows us to pipeline more students into health care services and providers through nursing programs,” he says.
The funding will also contribute to securing a larger $7.5 million Harold Alfond challenge grant.