Program Q & A

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who may apply for the FRS college scholarship program?

A: Any graduating high school senior who receives their local telecommunications service from a current National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) member company. The applicant must reside in a rural area, and be enrolled/accepted in a two or four-year accredited college, university or trade/vocational school. The applicant must have at least a C grade point average (2.0) and express an interest to return to rural America following graduation. And lastly, all applicants MUST be sponsored by a current NTCA member company (the company manager or board president must sign the application). NTCA member participation in this program is voluntary and not all members elect to participate.

Q: What materials must the application include?

A: All applications, in order to be considered, must be complete. A complete application includes: a completed application form, a 300-word essay, a high school transcript, an educator’s statement, an additional letter of recommendation, an endorsement (signature) by your sponsoring telephone company, and a photocopy of all submitted materials.

Q: Do applicants need to be interested in a career in telecommunications in order to qualify for the FRS college scholarship program?

A: No, any applicant who meets the aforementioned qualifications may apply for the FRS college scholarship program. He/she does not need to have an interest in a career in telecommunications. However, the review board does look for applicants who have an interest in returning to their rural communities after graduation.

Q: May previous scholarship winners apply again?

A: No, the FRS scholarship awards are a one-time only award and are only awarded to graduating high school seniors. Those students who have already received an award may not apply again.

Q: May I submit a photocopy of the application form?

A: Yes, you may submit an original copy, a photocopy of the form or download the form from the FRS Web site. You must, however, submit duplicate copies of all required materials.

Q: How should I submit the application?

A: You must submit two copies of all materials to FRS by the stipulated deadline. Please make sure that your application includes all aforementioned components, as incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Q: When is the deadline for submission?

A: This year's deadline for submission is March 1, 2006... all applications MUST be postmarked by this date. 

Q: Can NTCA associate members participate in the scholarship program?

A: Yes. NTCA associate members are encouraged to participate. The same criteria must be met, with the exception of a student’s receipt of telecommunications service.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of students that a NTCA member can sponsor for a FRS scholarship award?

A: No, NTCA members may sponsor as many scholarship applicants as they wish.  In the instance that more than one applicant from your company should be selected for an award, the manager will be notified immediately.

Q: How does FRS define "service?"

A: FRS leaves the definition of "service" up to the discretion of each participating company.  Service may be defined as landline only, or may be expanded to include Internet, wireless or any other CLEC service offered by the sponsoring company.

Q:  How do you determine if your telecommunications provider is a member of NTCA?

A:  Interested applicants should contact their telecommunications service provider and inquire if  they are a member of NTCA.  If yes, then inquire as to whether or not they participate in the FRS College Scholarship Program and if they are willing to sponsor your application. Please do not contact FRS to  inquire.  FRS is not able to make this determination for individual interested applicants.

For additional information, or any questions, please contact Annette Peterson at 703-351-2034 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .