EASTERN KENTUCKY, (WYMT) – Two organizations with a long history in the mountains have received a grant that can impact Eastern Kentucky residents.

Red Bird Mission received a grant of more than $270,000 for distance learning initiatives.

Organizers will create five learning centers for community members to access online courses and other resources.

“The community cannot wait. They need training, they need additional education to be able to have employment opportunities here for their families,” said Development Director Tim Crawford.

Alice Lloyd College in Knott County has received a $10 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation.

The funding will support their Caney’s Scholar program, which allows students to pursue higher education beyond Alice Lloyd.

“It’s a huge investment in this region as a whole. 83 percent of our graduates return to Appalachia to work and serve, and that’s why we bring educated professionals back to the mountains to elevate our region,” said Allison Southard, vice president of institutional development.

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