His goal was to give rural children the chance to obtain a high school education.

[3][4] He also solicited and received funds from the state legislature,[5] which contributed $50,000, and from Fentress County, which pledged $50,000.

[7][8] Five ponds on the campus are used for livestock watering, sport fishing, and waterfowl feeding and nesting.

York Patriotic Foundation, which agreed to oversee and fund the restoration of the historic structure.

As of January 2010, the building had been stabilized and initial remediation was complete, at a total cost of about $1 million.

The York Institute also provides a CNA certification program to all students free of charge.

The students can apply for and obtain their CNA licensure after a semester of coursework and clinical observation is completed.

The major goal of this project is to involve parents and community members in educational programs.