Programs

Helping Rural Communities Grow and Thrive

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The FRS has a vital interest in helping rural communities grow and thrive.  Every day, our team fights to keep rural America top of mind. The key to accomplishing this goal and our mission is through our various programs.  

From engaging rural youth and providing resources to rural communities to educating consumers and policymakers, our programs exist to improve the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues.

GRANTS

Looking for more ways to support your community?

As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, FRS provides annual grants for communities served by NTCA members. The goal of this program is to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.

FRS offers two grant programs: 

  • FRS Community Grant Program
    These grants range from $250 to $5,000 and are open for applications each spring and awarded in early December.
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  • Virtual Living Room®
    This grant program blends technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs resources and local support to encourage veteran use of advanced medical technologies. 
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FRS is our Foundation - telling our story of how broadband and technology can positively impact rural communities is so incredibly important. FRS programs cover a wide range of critical areas of necessity and focus including education, youth leadership, tele-health and economic development. FRS focuses on not only highlighting the history and accomplishments of our rural broadband providers but showcasing their promise as well. The foundation does all of this while continuing to successfully compliment the wide array of investments and contributions our members make in their local rural communities and service areas as true agents for change.

Eric Cramer
President & CEO
Wilkes Communications | RiverStreet Networks

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Where are you going?

 

The future of rural America depends on whether its young people want to stay—or come back—and help it grow. Engaging rural youth early is key to giving them this opportunity. FRS provides scholarships, a Youth Tour, and a number of other programs to help invest in the next generation of leaders and citizens.

Programs include:

  • Scholarships
    Each year, the foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to an exceptional group of rural students for their freshman year of college or vocational school.
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  • Youth Tour
    Each summer the FRS Tour provides high school students from across rural America the opportunity to visit our nation's capital and learn about broadband.
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CONGRESSIONAL BROADBAND TOUR

Escape from Washington, D.C.

Each year, FRS invites members of Congress and their staff to leave Washington, D.C. and visit rural America to learn more about broadband.  This tool helps educate people who make decisions that affect those citizens each and every day. 

Support These Programs

These programs and initiatives wouldn't exist without the generous support of our sponsors and donors.  We work each day to make sure the rural voice is heard and with your help, our voices can collectively strengthen. 

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