STORY: 2018 FRS Youth App Challenge

August 2018

The first year of FRS’ Rural Youth App Challenge was a big success—it was a joy and privilege to see applications filled with innovative ideas from students across rural America. In May, FRS was pleased to announce Speed Geeks, a team sponsored by Endeavor Communications in Cloverdale, Indiana, as the winner of this inaugural app-design challenge.

The Speed Geeks’ winning app would connect members of the community with free tech support, a key component of a successful “Gig Economy” in a rural area. Each member of the five-person team received a $200 Amazon gift card and a year-long subscription to Codeacademy Pro, thanks to the sponsorship of NISC and Mapcom Systems.

All of the entries FRS received, however, were thoughtful and applied interesting ideas about how to improve and support rural America. The App Challenge was a great opportunity for FRS to engage rural youth and to learn more about the communities served by NTCA member telcos. We’re really looking forward to the 2nd Annual Rural Youth App Challenge—applications for which are due March 1, 2019.