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 8, 2024, the Foundation for Rural Service announced the recipients of the 2024 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 $173,000 to 55 students across the country. The names of the 2024 awardees are listed at the bottom of this page.
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
2024 FRS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
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 $5,000 scholarship is for students entering their first year of law school and who have an interest in rural communities.
Morgan Fritz
Lake Mills, Iowa
NTCA Partner: Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (WCTA) - Lake Mills, Iowa
Planning to attend: Yale Law School
Everett Kneece Scholarship
$7,000 scholarship awarded annually in honor of the generous philanthropist Everett Kneece, who had a passion for rural America.
Tillee Muffett
Molalla, Oregon
NTCA Partner: Molalla Communications Company - Molalla, Ore.
Planning to attend: Oregon State University
V+C Trust Scholarship
This $9,500 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.
Hector Estrada
Taylor, Nebraska
NTCA Partner: Hamilton Telecommunications - Aurora, Neb.
Planning to attend: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Christopher Boling
Edmonton, Kentucky
NTCA Partner: South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. - Glasgow, Ky.
Planning to attend: Duke University
Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship
Created by Mr. Don Bitz of Montana in honor of his parents, Herbert and Isabel, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to one individual who exhibits a strong dedication to rural America.
Claire Bucklin
Sunburst, Montana
NTCA Partner: 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Fairfield, Mont.
Planning to attend: Carroll College
Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship
Named in memory of Sarah Tyree, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate what it means to be a "good neighbor" through humanitarianism, inclusion, and kindness to others.
Ian Dunn
St. John, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc. - Rush Center, Kan.
Planning to attend: Kansas State University
Elsie Chartier
Hays, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Nex-Tech - Lenora, Kan.
Planning to attend: Fort Hays State University
Lane Miller
Jefferson, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: SkyLine Membership Corporation - West Jefferson, N.C.
Planning to attend: Duke University
Hannah Khuri
Ararat, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: Surry Telephone Membership Corporation - Dobson, N.C.
Planning to attend: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
JSI Scholarship
Awarded by JSI in honor of John and Chresanthe Staurulakis, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to individuals with an interest in science, math, medicine, or engineering.
Natalie Jaques
Fallon, Nevada
NTCA Partner: CC Communications - Fallon, Nev.
Planning to attend: Utah State University
Talon Ausbern
Tahoka, Texas
NTCA Partner: Poka Lambro Telephone Cooperative - Tahoka, Texas
Planning to attend: South Plains College
Hailey Dry
New London, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: Randolph Communications - Asheboro, N.C.
Planning to attend: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jay Mitchell
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: Surry Telephone Membership Corporation - Dobson, N.C.
Planning to attend: Campbell 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 $2,500 scholarship for women with an intent to study business.
Alexus Hans
Newcastle, Nebraska
NTCA Partner: Northeast Nebraska Telephone - Jackson, Neb.
Planning to attend: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
FRS General Scholarship
$2,500 scholarships awarded to an exceptional group of rural students for their first year of college or vocational school. All applicants require partnership
Listed alphabetically by NTCA member company name.
Sophia Shaffer
Quincy, Illinois
NTCA Partner: Adams Telephone Cooperative - Golden, Ill.
Planning to attend: Kansas State University
James Foster
Coalmont, Tennessee
NTCA Partner: Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - McMinnville, Tenn.
Planning to attend: Sewanee - University of the South
Karly Alder
Charlo, Montana
NTCA Partner: Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative - Missoula, Mont.
Planning to attend: Helena College University of Montana
Lauren Allison
Bloomer, Wisconsin
NTCA Partner: Bloomer Broadband - Bloomer, Wis.
Planning to attend: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Daylee Chisum
Girard, Texas
NTCA Partner: Cap Rock Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Spur, Texas
Planning to attend: Lubbock Christian University
Paige Ackman
Frederick, Illinois
NTCA Partner: Cass Communications, Inc. - Virginia, Ill.
Planning to attend: Southwestern Illinois Community College
Carson Reed
Atlanta, Missouri
NTCA Partner: Chariton Valley - Macon, Mo.
Planning to attend: Moberly Area Community College
Shelby Goetz
Colton, Oregon
NTCA Partner: COLTONTEL - Colton, Ore.
Planning to attend: University of Wyoming
Delaney Erfle
Heaton, North Dakota
NTCA Partner: Dakota Central Telecommunications - Carrington, N.D.
Planning to attend: Bismarck State College
Isaac Wilhelm
Calamus, Iowa
NTCA Partner: F&B Communications, Inc. - Wheatland, Iowa
Planning to attend: Iowa State University
Ephan Gonzalez Benjume
Rainsville, Alabama
NTCA Partner: Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. - Rainsville, Ala.
Planning to attend: Auburn University
Mateo Reynolds
Bagley, Minnesota
NTCA Partner: Garden Valley Telephone Company - Erskine, Minn.
Planning to attend: University of Oregon
Carleton Nash
Cainsville, Missouri
NTCA Partner: GRM Networks - Princeton, Mo.
Planning to attend: University of Missouri - Columbia
Addison Taylor
Ingram, Texas
NTCA Partner: Hill Country Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Ingram, Texas
Planning to attend: Texas A&M University
Hope Jordan
Jet, Oklahoma
NTCA Partner: Kanokla - Caldwell, Kan.
Planning to attend: Oklahoma State University - Main Campus
Kayla Pederson
Mauston, Wisconsin
NTCA Partner: Lynxx Networks - Camp Douglas, Wis.
Planning to attend: Western Technical College
Andrew Hunt
Colchester, Illinois
NTCA Partner: McDonough Telephone Cooperative - Colchester, Ill.
Planning to attend: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tanner Dyk
Platte, South Dakota
NTCA Partner: Midstate Communications, Inc. - Kimball, S.D.
Planning to attend: Dakota Wesleyan University
Kathleen Ellwood
Little River, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Mutual Telephone Co. - Little River, Kan.
Planning to attend: Kansas State University
Regina Santos
Guymon, Oklahoma
NTCA Partner: Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Guymon, Okla.
Planning to attend: Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Emily Timm
Cohasset, Minnesota
NTCA Partner: Paul Bunyan Communications - Bemidji, MN
Planning to attend: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Alexus Richey
Quitman, Texas
NTCA Partner: Peoples Telephone Cooperative - Quitman, Texas
Planning to attend: Texas A&M University
Rachel Koeppe
Veblen, South Dakota
NTCA Partner: RC Technologies - New Effington, S.D.
Planning to attend: Minnesota State University Moorhead
Mariah Brunson
Washington, Indiana
NTCA Partner: RTC Communications - Montgomery, Ind.
Planning to attend: University of Southern Indiana
Hannah Freeman
Farmington, New Mexico
NTCA Partner: Sacred Wind Communications, Inc. - Albuquerque, N.M.
Planning to attend: Biola University
Kinsey Mangum
Pageland, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: Sandhill Telephone Cooperative - Jefferson, S.C.
Planning to attend: Clemson University
Athena Evans
Lawrenceburg, Indiana
NTCA Partner: SEI Communications - Dillsboro, Ind.
Planning to attend: Purdue University
Emily Caldwell
Vernal, Utah
NTCA Partner: STRATA Networks - Roosevelt, Utah
Planning to attend: Brigham Young University-Idaho
Elyse Tuscano
Big Timber, Montana
NTCA Partner: Triangle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Havre, Mont.
Planning to attend: Montana State University - Bozeman
Adam Snowball
Abilene, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Tri-County Telephone Association, Inc. - Council Grove, Kan.
Planning to attend: Southeast Community College - Milford
Weston Girard
Clyde, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Twin Valley Telephone Company, Inc. - Miltonvale, Kan.
Planning to attend: Kansas State University
Desmond Carrico
Hinesburg, Vermont
NTCA Partner: Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom - Waitsfield, Vt.
Planning to attend: Saint Michaels College
Aaron Parr
Prosperity, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Abbeville, S.C.
Planning to attend: Yale University
Reygan Schrock
Brookville, Kansas
NTCA Partner: Wilson Communications - Wilson, Kan.
Planning to attend: Kansas State University
Trace Johnson
Yadkinville, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: Zirrus - Yadkinville, N.C.
Planning to attend: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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. Made possible by the generosity of Herman & Whiteaker, LLC.
Alicia High
Ash, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: FOCUS Broadband - Shallotte, N.C.
Planning to attend: North Carolina State University
Bryce Harrelson
Whiteville, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: FOCUS Broadband - Shallotte, N.C.
Planning to attend: Campbell University
Lucas Chavis
Saint George, South Carolina
NTCA Partner: Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. - Walterboro, S.C.
Planning to attend: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Carrigan Kearley
Jefferson, North Carolina
NTCA Partner: SkyLine Membership Corporation - West Jefferson, N.C.
Planning to attend: Wilkes Community College
TMS Scholarship
Scholarships awarded to two customers of Ardmore Telephone and/or West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative.
Molly Null
Mayfield, Kentucky
NTCA Partner: Ardmore Telephone Company, Inc. - Mayfield, Ky.
Planning to attend: Murray State University
Abby Smithson
Mayfield, Kentucky
NTCA Partner: West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative - Mayfield, Ky.
Planning to attend: Murray State University
Get Involved
Are you interested in sponsoring a scholarship and investing in the future of rural America? Contact us at [email protected].