Foundation for Rural Service

The 2026 Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Community Grant Program is accepting applications. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to rural organizations working on special community projects.

Applications must be submitted by a member of NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association by September 4, 2026.

More information about the program: https://www.frs.org/programs/grant-program/community-grant

The 2026 FRS Youth Tour was a tremendous success. Read more about the experience:

Future Leaders Explore Washington Through the 2026 FRS Youth Tour Jun 9, 2026 Pam Becker , Executive Director, Foundation for Rural Service Each summer, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) has the privilege of bringing some of rural America's brightest young leaders to our nation's capital. This year, 97 high school students and 26 chaperones from communities a...

Day 3 was one for the books!

The day began at the Federal Communications Commission, where students heard directly from Chairman Brendan Carr, Commissioner Anna Gomez, and other leaders about their work regulating the nation’s communications networks and protecting consumers.

After the FCC, we visited Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. Students explored the estate and learned more about his leadership as the nation’s first president.

The fun continued with bowling, arcade games, and an evening monument tour across Washington, DC. Visiting the various memorials at night provided breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation for those who sacrificed for their generation and generations to come.

Day 4 is currently underway at Arlington National Cemetery, where students are witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and learning about the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country.

We’ve wrapped up Day 2 of the FRS Youth Tour, and what an amazing day it was! Students spent time exploring the U.S. Capitol, learning about the legislative process, visiting the offices of their Members of Congress, celebrating the birthdays of three fellow participants, and enjoying a special dinner at a historic DC restaurant while hearing from Mikayla Bodey, Policy Director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

🏛️ The day was full of excitement as 123 students and chaperones successfully navigated Capitol Hill and took Washington, DC, by storm!

We’re ready for Day 3!

The NTCA Marketing and Sales Conference has ended, but we are feeling energized after an incredible evening at The View Boston this past Sunday.

From the stunning view of the Boston skyline to the fun conversations amongst colleagues in the industry, it was a night to write home about!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to support the Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for rural students studying the arts and grants for arts-related projects in rural communities.

Also, thank you to our event sponsors: Herman & Whiteaker, LLC, JSI, NRTC, National Information Solutions Cooperative, CTC, and Waitsfield Champlain Valley Telecom.

If you missed this special event but would like to make a gift to the fund, please go to https://www.frs.org/donate and select 'Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund' from the drop-down menu.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is excited to announce that we have awarded $185,000 to 60 students from rural communities served by members of NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association. The total represents the largest single-year scholarship investment in FRS history.

Each recipient exemplifies academic excellence and a commitment to their communities. It is an honor to recognize such an inspiring group of students whose futures are bright. For a full list of recipients, visit https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 scholarship recipients! 🎓

As comes to a close, we’re not just reflecting on the trailblazers who brought us to where we are today, we’re also looking ahead to the next generation of women who will lead the broadband industry forward.

Inspired by Shirley Bloomfield’s 36 years of service to NTCA and her unwavering support for women in telecom, the Shirley Bloomfield Fund for Women’s Advancement, spearheaded by the NTCA Women in Telecom program, will endow a scholarship with the Foundation for Rural Service for a woman employed by an NTCA member company who is a recent high school graduate, a non‑traditional student returning to school, or is completing her degree.

https://www.frs.org/donate