Sometimes the best way to understand something is to see it with your own eyes. Knowing this, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) hosts an annual trip for Congressional staff members to show them first-hand how broadband is delivered in rural communities and the impact the service has on the local economy, health care, and education systems.
Last week FRS took 11 staff members from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to Vermont for three days. Having recently gone through all the infrastructure and BEAD funding debates on Capitol Hill, these staffers are well-versed in the policy aspects of broadband but many of them had never held a piece of fiber in their hands, seen a central operations facility, or even been without their cell phone service for an extended time. After this trip, they certainly have a better understanding about the challenges of broadband and appreciation for the role NTCA members have in creating and keeping thriving communities.
Many thanks to Kurt Gruendling and his colleagues at Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom for knowing all the people and places we should visit for a successful trip. Thank you, also, to RTFC and the NTCA members who make the Congressional Broadband Tour possible.
For photos from the Vermont Broadband Tour go HERE. I’m already looking forward to next year’s tour!
I’m also looking forward to seeing everybody next month at the NTCA Fall Conference in San Francisco, I hope you will join us on September 26 for the FRS Dinner and Harbor Cruise or play golf with us on September 28. There is more information about both fundraising events below. And, don't forget to sign up for the FRS Rural Run 5K with your friends or your whole company! Combined with the annual gifts from NTCA members, these events help FRS provide educational events and programs such as scholarships and Community Grants.
Thank you for all you do to support your foundation and our activites,
Pam Becker
FRS Executive Director
Foundation Focus
Don't Miss FRS Events at Fall Conference
Want to join FRS for the best night of NTCA's Fall Conference? Sign up for the FRS Dinner and Harbor Cruise, Monday, September 26th. And then join us Wednesday, September 28th for a fun day of golf at historic Presidio Golf Course. Contact [email protected] for more information on registration or for sponsorship opportunities. Tickets to the dinner are $225 each or $1,850 for a table of 10. Read more
Community Grant Deadline is August 31
Don't miss this opportunity to partner with an organization in your community and apply for a 2022 Community Grant. The Community Grant program awards grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations in your community doing great work. These grants are an opportunity for NTCA members to amplify the ways they are supporting their community. Applications should be submitted via NTCA Member Central by August 31. Read more
Sign Up for the FRS 5K!
The Foundation for Rural Service Rural Run, a virtual 5K fundraiser, is right around the corner! Sign up to complete a 5K (3.1 miles) at your own pace in your neighborhood between Labor Day weekend and the NTCA Fall Conference (September 3 – September 28). Registration is now open in Member Central. Join FRS at Fall Conference for the in-person FRS Rural Run 5K – for those who want to run or walk in San Francisco on Tuesday, September 27 at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the Hotel Lobby for a guided run to Coit Tower and back.
Youth Tour 2023
Registration for Youth Tour 2023 will open October 31. Information is available on the FRS Youth Tour page. Please use the information available in the important dates dropdown to create a timeline that falls within FRS'. At this time, FRS has no plans for any Covid related restrictions, but reserves the right to make changes at any time.
FRS Scholarship Programs 2023
FRS Scholarship programs, including the James L. Bass Legal Scholarship, will open November 14, 2022 and close February 8, 2023. More information coming soon.
FRS Activites and Donors
Want to see what's happening in your state or region? Use our new interactive FRS Activities and Donors map to see which companies are donors, have scholarship recipients or grant recipients, and which are sending students on the FRS Youth Tour. Thank you to all NTCA members who partner with FRS. See the map