For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (May 1, 2015)—The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) announced it is increasing its support for rural youth in their first year of college, university or vocational-technical school thanks to a $12,000 donation from the Colt Ford Foundation.
Four $3,000 scholarships were awarded to students in rural communities who are customers of any member company of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. The scholarships are made possible by the Colt Ford Foundation’s annual “Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic,” which draws celebrities, PGA golfers and sponsors. Past participants include Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and PGA golfers Billy Horschel and Blake Adams.
“I have always believed that education is what creates opportunities for people in America,” said Colt Ford. “A more competitive world requires better critical thinking, regardless of what occupation you choose, and education gives you those thinking skills. Partnering with FRS is perfect for the Colt Ford Foundation as it gets scholarship funds to people in the Heartland, the home of so many of my supporters.”
“FRS is excited about our new relationship with the Colt Ford Foundation,” said Elizabeth Crocker, executive director of FRS. “We are delighted that Colt Ford shares the foundation’s commitment to rural education, and we cannot think of four more worthy students to receive these awards than this year’s group of winners. FRS is looking forward to working together with the Colt Ford Foundation to continue to fight for rural students and provide them with every opportunity possible to achieve a higher education.”
The 2015 winners are:
- Taylor Gabbard (Gainesboro, Tenn.), planning to attend Nashville State Community College to study occupational therapy
- Andrea Jorgenson (Leeds, N.D.), planning to attend Bismarck State College to study agricultural engineering
- Jennifer Neville (Denison, Iowa), still deciding between three universities to study architectural design
- Lindsey Thomas (Rocky Ford, Ga.), planning to attend Georgia Southern University to study civil engineering
More information about the FRS College Scholarship is available online.
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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.