It’s early June, so it must be time for the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour! Last week FRS welcomed 113 high school students and 31 chaperones for a packed visit to Washington, D.C. Taking place for more than 30 years, NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association members send high school students and chaperones to our nation’s capital to learn more about the legislative and regulatory process. This year’s group was one of the largest ever with students and chaperones from 68 companies in 26 states. With such a large group FRS is especially grateful for the chaperones who are employees of NTCA member companies or teachers in their local school districts. In fact, one of our chaperones this year attended Youth Tour as a student in 2000!
After arriving at Washington’s Reagan National Airport on Monday, June 2, the students met their roommates and other students in their chaperone groups. What began as a room full of nervous, shy students quickly turned into an evening filled with laughter and excitement for the days ahead.
The first full day began with blue skies and a group photo in front of the U.S. Capitol. Students then took guided tours of the Capitol before walking past the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress on their way to the Cannon House Office Building. After a briefing on the legislative process and how a bill becomes law, students and chaperones met with their U.S. representative or a member of their staff. During the meetings, students shared their experiences growing up in rural communities and emphasized the importance of rural broadband in both their educational and social lives. The day ended with a cruise along the Potomac River, offering views of iconic monuments and buildings from the water. Many thanks to the generous donors to the Tim Owens Memorial Fund, who made the special dinner cruise possible.
On Wednesday, June 3, the Youth Tour began with a visit to the FCC, where several agency leaders explained the commission's functions, including a discussion with FCC Chair Brendan Carr. I was impressed by the students’ interest and the thoughtful questions they asked the speakers. Our group was almost too large for a photo with Carr, but we managed to fit everyone in. Many students also took individual photos with Carr, the Youth Tour’s version of a celebrity!
From the FCC, we rode 30 minutes to Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, where we toured the house and explored the grounds. Afterward, we had dinner and some fun at a bowling alley before taking a nighttime walking tour that included the White House, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Whew!
The last full day in Washington gave students and chaperones a chance to explore the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. From the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History to Oscar the Grouch at the National Museum of American History and the Apollo Lunar Module at the National Air and Space Museum, everyone enjoyed seeing artifacts from our country’s past. Thursday ended with dinner back at the hotel and a lively dance featuring a DJ who played students’ requests.
Youth Tour ended on Friday, June 6, as the students and chaperones returned to their home states—tired but full of new friendships and experiences.
I can’t lie: Youth Tour is exhausting, with early mornings, late nights and lots of walking. But it’s all worth it when I see the remarkable transformations students go through in just a few days. Many arrive scared and unsure of what they’ve signed up for, but they gain confidence as they explore the city, meet their member of Congress and make friends with peers from across the country. I’m proud that FRS can offer this unique experience, thanks to the support of so many NTCA member companies. I can’t wait for next year!