Each summer, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) has the privilege of bringing some of rural America's brightest young leaders to our nation's capital. This year, 97 high school students and 26 chaperones from communities across the country joined us for the 2026 FRS Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., creating an unforgettable week of learning, leadership and connection.
The FRS Youth Tour helps students better understand the role of the federal government, the importance of civic engagement and the impact of broadband services on rural communities. Just as importantly, it provides an opportunity for students from different states and backgrounds to build friendships and broaden their perspectives.
Our adventure began on June 1 as students and chaperones arrived in Washington, D.C., from distances as far away as Alaska. After an orientation and welcome dinner, participants were ready to embark on a packed schedule of educational experiences and memorable moments.
The first full day centered on the U.S. Congress. We gathered on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for a group photo before touring the Capitol itself and then learning about the legislative process with the help of the NTCA Government Affairs team. In the afternoon, Youth Tour participants visited congressional offices and met with their U.S. Representative or staff from their home states. These conversations helped students gain a deeper understanding of how citizens can engage with elected officials and influence public policy. The day ended with a dinner at a Washington, D.C., restaurant and remarks from Mikayla Bodey, policy director at the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. The dinner was made possible thanks to the support of the annual Tim Owens Fundraising Event at the NTCA Marketing and Sales Conference.
One of the highlights of the week was our visit to the FCC. The FCC doesn’t get nearly 100 teenagers in their meeting room very often, so we typically receive a wonderful welcome. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez both shared insights into the agency's work and the role telecommunications plays in connecting communities across America. Others described the FCC’s role in disaster recovery and how the agency is addressing robocalls and cybersecurity threats. I was impressed by the students’ questions and interest in the presentations. For students from rural areas, many of whom experience the transformative impact of broadband in their hometowns every day, this session provided an important connection between federal policy and local opportunity.
We then jumped back on our three buses to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon, where students explored the life and legacy of America's first president. From there, we bowled and then enjoyed a nighttime tour of the World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial and the amazing view down the Mall from the Lincoln Memorial.
The last full day began with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, including the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by time exploring the Smithsonian museums and National Mall. The day ended with a dinner thanking the tireless chaperones and an always-popular dance celebrating the friendships formed throughout the week. Watching students from dozens of states connect, learn from one another and develop confidence in their leadership abilities remains one of the most rewarding aspects of this program.
The Foundation for Rural Service extends its sincere appreciation to the NTCA member companies that made this experience possible by sponsoring students and chaperones. Your commitment to investing in young people and strengthening rural communities continues to create opportunities that can shape lives for years to come. We are grateful for your partnership and your dedication to developing the next generation of rural leaders.
As students returned home on June 5, they carried with them new knowledge, new friendships and a greater understanding of how they can make a difference in their communities. We are excited to see how these remarkable young people will use what they learned during their time in Washington, D.C.
Thank you to every student, chaperone, sponsoring company, volunteer and my FRS colleagues who helped make the 2026 FRS Youth Tour a tremendous success. The future of rural America is bright, and we were honored to spend a week with so many of its upcoming leaders.