Q: Why should we sponsor a student to attend the FRS Youth Tour?
A: The FRS Youth Tour offers students from rural areas a once in a lifetime experience! Students get a first-hand look at the telecommunications industry, learn about the legislative & governmental process and get the rare opportunity to visit our nation’s capital. Not only does the Youth Tour enhance the education of our rural teens, it also offers your company invaluable exposure within your local community. We limit the tour to 100 students so that they have the opportunity to meet kids from across rural America.

Q: Who may take part in the FRS Youth Tour?
A: Any high school student, age 16 or 17 years old at hte time of the Youth Tour. FRS will not accept any student 18 years of age and over- no exceptions will be made.  Students must receive telecommunications service from a current National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) member company and be sponsored by that company.

Q: What if the student that we would like to sponsor will be 18 at the time of the Youth Tour?
Students who are 18 years or older at the time of the Youth Tour will not be permitted to attend ... no exceptions will be made to accommodate these students.  Please make sure to check the age of your sponsored student(s) prior to your selection.

Q: What is defined as "telecommunications service?"
A: FRS leaves this decision up to the sponsoring company. Sponsors may accept students who receive not only local service, but also wireless and/or internet from their telco.

Q: How do we sign up?
A: It is advised to secure your spot for your student(s) and/or chaperone(s) as early as possible. The Youth Tour has a limited capacity and tends to fill up quickly.  You are advised to register for the Youth Tour prior to selecting your student(s).  You will not be required to send in your student name and information until about five weeks prior to the Youth Tour - please do not wait until that time to actually register for the Youth Tour, or registration may be closed. Registration materials are available in the early fall. Questions? Contact Annette Peterson at 703-351-2034, or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Q: What is the registration fee?
A: The registration fee is $875 per student. This fee is the same for chaperones.

Q: What does the registration fee cover?
A: The registration fee of $875 covers all Washington, DC-based expenses, including: four nights at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City, VA, three meals a day, bus transportation to all activities, admission to ticketed events, special entertainment, airport greeting and transportation, gratuities, Youth Tour t-shirt, student yearbook, student dance with DJ and all supplies/materials.

Q: In addition to the registration fee and travel expenses, are there any other expenses?
A: Not really. Many sponsors provide their student(s) with some spending money ($50 - $100), phone card, and/or telco-related sweatshirts, etc.

Q: How many students and chaperones can I send?
A: Telcos may register either one or two students and/or chaperones (additional registrations will be accepted on a space available basis). Space is limited to 110 students and 24 chaperones.

Q: Do chaperones have to share a room?
A: No. Chaperones will be housed in individual rooms. Students share a room with one other student.

Q: How should we market the program to students?
A: The easiest thing to do is to contact your local high school(s). High school counselors can help you market the program to students and are often willing to assist you in the selection process, should you desire. FRS will provide you with Youth Tour posters, a draft article for your telco newsletter as well as a draft press release for your local paper. Advertising in the local paper and visiting local schools are other great options. There is also a Youth Tour PowerPoint presentation that can be downloaded from the FRS web site.

Q: How should we select our student(s)?
A: FRS does not impose specific guidelines for selecting a student. Because there are so many outstanding young people in your community, selecting a participant may be difficult. We encourage you to develop your own selection process; however, we highly recommend having the potential student(s) meet with your manager and/or board of directors.

Q: Do you have any suggested topics for an essay contest?

Q: When is the deadline for student and chaperone submission?
A: FRS must receive your completed student and chaperone packets no later than April 20, 2009. Make sure that you allow enough time for your selected student to complete the packet (it is recommended you select your student(s) no later than April 3, 2009). Upon initial registration, FRS will mail these packets to you with detailed instructions. Confirmation letters will be sent to each student upon receipt of their completed packets and your telco will receive a copy.

Q: Can associate members of NTCA participate in the FRS Youth Tour?
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: Are we responsible for making flight arrangements for the student(s) and/or chaperone(s)?
A: Yes, in addition to the Youth Tour registration fee, telcos are also responsible for booking student and chaperone travel itineraries. Upon initial registration, you will be sent a detailed confirmation letter outlining travel requirements. Please note that all students are required to fly into and out of Reagan National Airport (DCA). Unfortunately, FRS does not have the staff to pick up students at other Washington-area airports.

For additional information, 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 .