For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (January 10, 2014) – The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) named the winners of its 2013 grants which were awarded to efforts focused on education advancements for rural youth, technology upgrades that benefit the community at large, and job creation and retention in rural communities. The winning projects are endorsed by rural and small-town telecommunications providers that are members of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.
The following projects received grants:
Youth Entrepreneurship Project
Submitted by Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.
Endorsed by Pioneer Communications (Ulysses, Kan.)
Focused on youth engagement and entrepreneurship, the youth entrepreneurship project encourages young people in Wichita County to stay in the area to work, live and raise their families. Wichita County Economic Development, Inc. partnered with the local school system to develop entrepreneurship classes for their high school students, with the goal of creating a stronger economy through local business development.
Expansion of the Health Science Program
Submitted by Clay County Schools
Endorsed by Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative (Gainesboro, Tenn.)
Clay County High School administers a Health Science program where students can receive a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) industry certification. The program is an asset to the local economy, providing opportunities for employment in community nursing homes and hospitals as well as additional equipment and supplies.
Technology Enhancements to the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program
Submitted by Front Range CASA.
Endorsed by 3 Rivers Communications (Fairfield, Mont.)
Front Range Court Appointed Special Advocates are responsible for monitoring the well being of all foster care children in rural Montana Judicial District #9. The executive director and volunteers cover more than 8,800 square miles of service area, which makes constant communication difficult. Updated computer equipment and programming were essential to ensure the ongoing well being and safety of the children, as well consistent direction and updated training materials for volunteers.
“The foundation congratulates the collaborative work that all of our grant program applicants do for the future well-being of their communities,” said Elizabeth Crocker, executive director of FRS. “The winners of the grants clearly demonstrated both the need for their programs and the measurable impact they will have on individuals in their community.”
The FRS awards grants annually to local efforts that embody the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life in rural America and to help rural communities grow and thrive.
For more information about the FRS Grant Program and the 2013 winners, visit www.frs.org.
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The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and its members, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life throughout rural America by advancing an understanding of rural telecommunications issues. FRS is committed to educational achievement in rural communities, recognizing that tomorrow’s economic and civic development depends on the involvement and commitment of today’s youth. Visit us at www.frs.org.
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.