Scholarships
FRS Scholarships Provide Opportunities for Students to Attend College or Vocational School
The foundation annually awards scholarships to an exceptional group of rural students for their first year of college or vocational school. All applicants require partnership with an NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association member company to be eligible.
FRS has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception; empowering rural students throughout the country to advance their communities with invaluable skill sets and experiences.
On May 10, 2023 The Foundation for Rural Service announced the recipients of the 2023 FRS Scholarships. The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from rural communities for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company that may also contribute a portion of the scholarship award. This year FRS awarded a total of $124,000 for 42 scholarships to students across the country. The names of the 2023 awardees are listed at the bottom of this page.
Student Scholarship Instructions
- Eligibility Requirements:
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- Be a graduating high school senior.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be sponsored by a current member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.
- Express interest in returning to a rural community following graduation.
- Finding your NTCA member sponsor:
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Use this interactive map to find your NTCA member sponsor.
Still unsure of your NTCA member sponsor? Contact [email protected].
- Information needed to complete the application:
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Student Information
- full name, email address (provide a personal email that will be active after high school), phone number, mailing address, confirm United States citizenship.
Find your NTCA Member Sponsor
- select the name of your NTCA member from the drop-down menu.
High School Information
- name of your high school, phone number of your high school, confirm that you are graduating in the spring of 2024, GPA, ACT or SAT scores (optional), high school transcript with seven semesters of your academic progress (including the most recent semester).
* transcripts do not have to be official copies.
College or Vocational School Information
- name of the college/university or vocational/technical school, address of the institution you plan to attend, telephone number of the institution, intended major.
Work Experience, Activities, Awards, and Honors
- upload a copy of your resume and additional documents that list your extracurricular activities or awards.
Essay
- upload a 500-800 word essay about your intended area of study and how it could benefit your rural community. The essay must be uploaded in PDF or Word document format. Don't forget to proofread your essay!
Additional Information
- OPTIONAL: In this section, provide any additional information the selection committee should know (i.e., family need or hardships).
Letters of References
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provide two letters of recommendation, only one of which may be from an educator. Letters should be provided by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality (examples include telephone company personnel, elected official, local business leader, etc.). There is not a standard form to be used for these letters of recommendation.
* an email will be sent to your references upon completing this step. Please talk to your references prior to submitting their information. It is the student's responsibility to ensure BOTH references are completed.
- Completing the application:
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Review your answers and select submit at the bottom of the page.
- Problems with your application:
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If you are experiencing technical issues with your application, please contact Kaleidoscope Support at [email protected].
Other questions or problems? Contact FRS at [email protected].
Named Scholarships
In addition to FRS scholarships, the program includes a number of named scholarship opportunities (required match does not apply).
- V+C Trust Scholarship
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The V+C Trust Scholarship fund provides two $9,500 scholarships to high school seniors from rural communities across America. The scholarship gives preference to students pursuing studies related to environmental sustainability, social justice, telecommunications, or economic development. The scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the V+C Charitable Trust.
- Everett Kneece Scholarship
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$7,000 scholarship awarded annually in honor of the generous philanthropist Everett Kneece, who had a passion for rural America.
- Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship
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One $5,000 scholarship awarded annually. Created by Mr. Don Bitz of Montana in honor of his parents, Herbert and Isabel, awarded to one individual who exhibits a strong dedication to rural America.
- Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship
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Named in memory of Sarah Tyree, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate what it means to be a "good neighbor" through humanitarianism, inclusion, and kindness to others. Well-known in the rural broadband industry, Sarah was a steady presence at NTCA meetings on behalf of CoBank and was often in the middle of key policy discussions that impacted funding opportunities for NTCA members and in educating Congress on the programs that are critical to bringing affordable communications services to rural Americans. Sarah was a tremendous advocate on behalf of the work that the Foundation for Rural Service seeks to accomplish in rural communities.
- JSI Scholarship
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$5,000 JSI scholarships are awarded by JSI in honor of John and Chresanthe Staurulakis to four individuals with an interest in science, math, medicine or engineering.
- Cronin Communications Scholarship – made possible by the Timothy Evan Owens Foundation
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Tim Owens was the president and sole owner of Cronin Communications, a premier rural telecommunications company for more than twenty years. Tim served telecom companies and associations across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. He created partnerships with clients, but more importantly lasting friendships. His expertise was providing sound, accurate and timely solutions to telecom senior leadership, company associates, and customer service operations. Tim was a tremendous ambassador to the industry and the Cronin Communications Scholarship honors Tim by allowing his legacy to accomplish meaningful good works for so many deserving individuals and entities.
- Diana Jo Dreyer Memorial Scholarship — Sponsored by INDATEL Services
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Diana grew up in Atlantic, IA, with her parents and five siblings, where she attended Atlantic High School and then graduated with her teaching degree from Augustana University. Diana found a successful career in telecommunications, where she excelled in sales and grew a large network of women in telecom who became some of her closest mentors and friends. Recognizing Diana’s impact to her company and women in telecom, INDATEL Services LLC and her family have established a scholarship with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) for female students with an intent to study business.
- TMS Scholarship
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$1,500 scholarships are awarded annually to two customers of Ardmore Telephone and/or West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative.
- Roger Cox Scholarship
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Scholarship is awarded as one $1,000 college scholarship to go to a student who resides in the Atlantic Telephone Membership Company service territory in North Carolina, and two other $500 scholarships for individuals living in rural areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. Recipients shall be selected by FRS through its scholarship application review process.
Scholarships
$2,500 scholarships are awarded across rural America annually and matched by generous NTCA members to students in their communities paving the way for the future of rural America (member companies must commit to a $500 match for each winning student).
LEARN MORE
As FRS approaches our 25th Anniversary in 2019, we are highlighting some of our favorite programs. Since 1994, FRS has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to rural youth.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
2023 FRS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Everett Kneece Scholarship
$7,000 scholarship awarded annually in honor of the generous philanthropist Everett Kneece, who had a passion for rural America.
Paul Ludwig
Wasilla, Alaska
NTCA Partner: Matanuska Telecom Association, Inc. - Palmer, AK
Planning to attend: Montana State University - Bozeman
Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship
Created by Mr. Don Bitz of Montana in honor of his parents, Herbert and Isabel, awarded to one individual who exhibits a strong dedication to rural America.
Nathan Gage Morrow
Knox City, Texas
NTCA Partner: Santa Rosa Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Vernon, TX
Planning to attend: Angelo State University
JSI Scholarship
Awarded by JSI in honor of John and Chresanthe Staurulakis to individuals with an interest in science, math, medicine, or engineering.
Rayna Johnson
Havre, Montana
NTCA Partner: Triangle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Havre, MT
Planning to attend: Montana Technological University
Madison Champagne
Pageland, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: Sandhill Telephone Cooperative - Jefferson, SC
Planning to attend: University of Mount Olive
Jesus Marquez
Perryton, Texas
NTCA Partner: Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Guymon, OK
Planning to attend: Texas Tech University
Hannah Rice
Brunswick, Missouri
NTCA Partner: Chariton Valley Telephone Corporation - Macon, MO
Planning to attend: University of Missouri - Columbia
Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship
Named in memory of Sarah Tyree, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate what it means to be a "good neighbor" through humanitarianism, inclusion, and kindness to others.
Emily Blackwell
Starr, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Abbeville, SC
Planning to attend: North Greenville University
Isaac Kreft
Elbow Lake, Minnesota
NTCA Partner: Runestone Telecom Association - Hoffman, MN
Planning to attend: College of Saint Benedict - Saint John’s University
Abbie Sowder
Chandler, Oklahoma
NTCA Partner: Central Oklahoma Telephone Co., LLC - Davenport, OK
Planning to attend: Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Roger Cox Scholarship
Awarded to a student who resides in the Atlantic Telephone Membership Company service territory in North Carolina, and scholarships for individuals living in rural areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Elisha Ralston
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation - Wilkesboro, NC
Planning to attend: Liberty University
Chloe Pennington
Creston, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: SkyLine Membership Corporation - West Jefferson, NC
Planning to attend: East Tennessee State University
Zane Poulin
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: FOCUS Broadband - Shallotte, NC
Planning to attend: North Carolina State University
Jackson Sims
Walterboro, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Walterboro, SC
Planning to attend: Clemson University
Cronin Communications Scholarship
made possible by The Timothy Evan Owens Foundation
Tim Owens was the president and sole owner of Cronin Communications, a premier rural telecommunications company that served telecom companies and associations across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico for more than twenty years.
Hannah Allen
Milroy, Indiana
NTCA Partner: Great Plains Communications - Sunman, IN
Planning to attend: University of Southern Indiana
Connor Schurr
Osborne, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Nex-Tech - Lenora, KS
Planning to attend: Fort Hays State University
Diana Jo Dreyer Memorial Scholarship
made possible by INDATEL Services LLC
Recognizing Diana’s impact to her company and women in telecom, INDATEL Services LLC and her family established this scholarship for women with an intent to study business.
Maria Hartman
Bowling Green, Indiana
NTCA Partner: Endeavor Communications - Cloverdale, IN
Planning to attend: University of Southern Indiana
TMS Scholarship
Scholarships awarded to two customers of Ardmore Telephone and/or West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative
Anna Fowler
Wingo, Kentucky
NTCA Partner: Ardmore Telephone Company, Inc. - Mayfield, KY
Planning to attend: Murray State University
Hulee Pepper
Elkmont, Alabama
NTCA Partner: Ardmore Telephone Company, Inc. - Mayfield, KY
Planning to attend: Calhoun Community College
James L. Bass Legal Scholarship
With an active law career that spanned more than 70 years, James Bass helped secure funds for rural telephone systems to bring modern telephone service to rural areas. He was pivotal in the creation of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, where he served as one of the organization’s earliest Presidents. Mr. Bass continued his leadership with service for more than 50 years as NTCA’s legal counsel. This scholarship is for students entering their first year of law school and who have an interest in rural communities.
Zachari Curtis
Washington, DC
Planning to attend: Harvard University
FRS General Scholarship
Scholarships awarded to an exceptional group of rural students for their first year of college or vocational school. All applicants require partnership with an NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association member company to be eligible. The NTCA partner also contributes toward the scholarship award.
Neely Bell
Due West, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Abbeville, SC
Planning to attend: Anderson College
Garrett Bloms
Ray, North Dakota
NTCA Partner: Northwest Communications Cooperative - Ray, ND
Planning to attend: North Dakota State University
Katherine Bruning
Ellsworth, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Wilson Communications - Wilson, KS
Planning to attend: Barton County Community College
Audrey Colwell
Lindsay, Texas
NTCA Partner: Nortex Communications - Muenster, TX
Planning to attend: Texas A&M University
Larissa Eldridge
Osgood, Indiana
NTCA Partner: Communications Corp. of Indiana - Roachdale, IN
Planning to attend: Franklin College
Beth Graber
Montgomery, Indiana
NTCA Partner: RTC Communications - Montgomery, IN
Planning to attend: University of Southern Indiana
Jenna Hopkins
Woodburn, Oregon
NTCA Partner: Monitor Cooperative Telephone Company - Woodburn, OR
Planning to attend: Willamette University
Nathan Jantz
Kanab, Utah
NTCA Partner: SC Broadband - Kanab, UT
Planning to attend: Southern Utah University
Kassidy Jay
Bristol, Vermont
NTCA Partner: Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom - Waitsfield, VT
Planning to attend: Salve Regina University
Matthew Jermain
Conception Junction, Missouri
NTCA Partner: GRM Networks - Princeton, MO
Planning to attend: Northwest Missouri State University
Kaylee Kemp
Cavalier, North Dakota
NTCA Partner: Polar Communications Mutual Aid Corp. - Park River, ND
Planning to attend: University of Mary
Harrison Lee
Clarkrange, Tennessee
NTCA Partner: Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative Corporation - Gainesboro, TN
Planning to attend: University of Tennessee
Victor McBride
McMinnville, Tennessee
NTCA Partner: Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - McMinnville, TN
Planning to attend: Virginia Military Institute
McKenna Melbo
Bagley, Minnesota
NTCA Partner: Garden Valley Telephone Company - Erskine, MN
Planning to attend: University of Minnesota - Duluth
Sophie Nichols
Chetek, Wisconsin
NTCA Partner: Citizens Telephone Cooperative - New Auburn, WI
Planning to attend: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Sylvia Pesch
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
NTCA Partner: Arvig - Perham, MN
Planning to attend: University of Minnesota – Morris
Hank Richardson
Ashton, Idaho
NTCA Partner: Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative - Missoula, MT
Planning to attend: Brigham Young University - Idaho
Tyler Saiz
Fort Sumner, New Mexico
NTCA Partner: ENMR Plateau Telecommunications - Clovis, NM
Planning to attend: Texas Tech University
Skyler Summers
Gibbon, Nebraska
NTCA Partner: Hamilton Telecommunications - Aurora, NE
Planning to attend: University of Nebraska at Kearney
Chiana Tubbs
Stuart, Nebraska
NTCA Partner: Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company - Jackson, NE
Planning to attend: Morningside University
Levi Victor
Elida, New Mexico
NTCA Partner: Yucca Telecom - Portales, NM
Planning to attend: Clarendon College
Elnora Whisman
Hardin, Kentucky
NTCA Partner: West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative - Mayfield, KY
Planning to attend: Bellarmine University
Hailee Williams
Chillicothe, Missouri
NTCA Partner: Green Hills Telephone Corporation - Breckenridge, MO
Planning to attend: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Get Involved
Are you interested in sponsoring a scholarship and investing in the future of rural America? Contact us at [email protected].