The Foundation for Rural Service is excited to announce that applications for 2026 FRS Scholarships and the James L. Bass Legal Scholarship are now open! Go to frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships for the application link and additional instructions.
In 2026, FRS will award over $100,000 in scholarships to students sponsored by our NTCA members.
The FRS General Scholarship is awarded for the first year of 2-year or 4-year college or vocational school. This scholarship is $2,500 and requires a $500 match from the student's partnering NTCA member.
In addition to the FRS General Scholarship, the program includes numerous named scholarship opportunities that do not require a match from NTCA members. These scholarships have detailed criteria for eligibility, and their values range from $1,000-$9,000.
One application qualifies a student for all available FRS scholarships.
FRS 2026 Scholarship Application Flyer
Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on February 14, 2026, eastern time.
Don't forget about the
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 legal counsel, guiding NTCA through many challenges and opportunities.
Recognizing Mr. Bass’s impact to the industry and his passion for the legal profession, the NTCA Board established a scholarship for students entering their first year of law school and who have an interest in rural communities. The annual James L. Bass Legal Scholarship will be awarded in Spring 2026 and be at least $5,000.
* Applications for the 2026 James L. Bass Legal Scholarship are due by February 16.
Important Dates
February 14, 2026 — FRS Scholarship applications are due
February 16, 2026 — James L. Bass Legal Scholarship applications are due