ncsc-news
September 11, 2025
Ready, Set, Rural Run! NCSC Proudly Supports FRS
NCSC is proud to be an Elite sponsor of the 2025 FRS Rural Run/Walk 5K, with 31 staff members registered to support the annual fundraising event. The nine NCSC staff members pictured wore their Rural Run/Walk t-shirts to work to show their support for the event.
For more than three decades, NCSC has stood as one of the largest and longest-running donors to the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association. Since its founding in 1994, FRS has advocated for rural communities through scholarships, grants and educational initiatives that empower youth, foster local development and raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the unique challenges facing rural America.
Both NCSC and FRS share a commitment to helping policymakers recognize the vital role rural broadband providers play in strengthening these communities. This year, 31 NCSC staff members signed up for the annual FRS Rural Run/Walk 5K. The proceeds from this NCSC-sponsored annual fundraiser event go towards supporting programs that benefit rural communities across the U.S.
Beyond the 5K, NCSC’s support has helped fund FRS initiatives like the Congressional Broadband Tour, which gives Capitol Hill staff firsthand exposure to the transformative power of broadband in rural communities. This year’s tour visited southeastern New Mexico, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs of rural connectivity.
“The impact of NCSC’s support is felt in the scholarships and community grants FRS awards the people and organizations in rural communities,” FRS Executive Director Pam Becker said. “This financial support allows students to attend college or vocational school and provides additional educational opportunities to consider. The community grants go toward purchasing equipment for schools, hospitals, libraries, first responders and more.”
As a member of the FRS board of directors, NCSC Vice President of Business Development Jason Shelton hopes to continue building upon the partnership between the two organizations.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our support for FRS,” Shelton said. “I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished so far and look forward to future opportunities for growth and expansion together.”