§ 3362. Distance education grants for insular areas
(a)
In general
The Secretary may make competitive or noncompetitive grants to eligible institutions in insular areas to strengthen the capacity of such institutions to carry out distance food and agricultural education programs using digital network technologies.
(b)
Use
Grants made under this section shall be used—
(1)
to acquire the equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, digital network technology, and infrastructure necessary to teach students and teachers about technology in the classroom;
(2)
to develop and provide educational services (including faculty development) to prepare students or faculty seeking a degree or certificate that is approved by the State or a regional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of Education;
(3)
to provide teacher education, library and media specialist training, and preschool and teacher aid certification to individuals who seek to acquire or enhance technology skills in order to use technology in the classroom or instructional process;
(c)
Limitation on use of grant funds
Funds provided under this section shall not be used for the planning, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a building or facility.
(d)
Administration of program
The Secretary may carry out this section in a manner that recognizes the different needs and opportunities for eligible institutions in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
(e)
Matching requirement
(1)
In general
The Secretary may establish a requirement that an eligible institution receiving a grant under this section shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the grant.
(2)
Waivers
If the Secretary establishes a matching requirement under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall retain an option to waive the requirement for an eligible institution for any fiscal year if the Secretary determines that the institution will be unlikely to meet the matching requirement for the fiscal year.
(f)
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2012.