The overall goal of the Elementary Education Distance Learning Program is to significantly improve the educational level of the state of Mississippi. A major step toward that goal is to improve accessibility to postsecondary learning for all individuals. This will be accomplished by mitigating, on a regional scale, all the needs of the region. Students will be central to the planning, development, and evaluation of all activities of the project. This project will have a positive effect on the educational attainment for individual attainment of a 4+ degree. Specific objectives of the program are:

1. To encourage underrepresented nontraditional students to complete their education in elementary education through the innovative use of distance education instruction methods.

2. To provide regional school districts with exemplary teachers reflecting the values and culture of the region to significantly address the quality teacher shortage.

3. To share student development services between two- and four-year colleges through joint activities and counseling.

4. To encourage current teachers in the region to pursue a graduate degree in elementary education and begin preparation for National Board Certification.