Students and teachers are back in the classrooms. This is the perfect time to remind them that up to $10,000 in grant funding is available through FRED's Technology Grants for Rural Schools Program. The grants are funded by a $50,000 donation from Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) and strive to help public schools served by OPASTCO members bring modern computers to every classroom, connect to the information superhighway and make sure that effective and engaging software and online resources are an integral part of the curriculum.

Grants range from $1,000 - $10,000 and all public schools located in OPASTCO members' service areas are eligible to apply. The deadline for this program is September 13, 2008

Published in June 2008, this survey addresses both executive and administrative/operations compensation practices and regional classifications of respondents, participant profiles, and compensation data for 65 jobs.

FRED and the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) are providing an opportunity for students from rural communities to travel to Washington D.C., for a week long program to learn more about the government, civic affairs, and telecommunications regulations. This year, the program runs from April 19-24, 2009. Students will have the chance to tour historic landmarks, attend seminars, and meet members of Congress, journalists and other Washington insiders. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who live or attend a high school in an area that is served by a nominating OPASTCO Telephone Company Member. Brochures with the application and additional information are available online at FRED's Leadership Through Learning.

This year's Leadership Through Learning Program application deadline is December 8, 2008.

In August, OPASTCO mailed out the 2009 dues statements to members. On these forms, companies may make a donation to support FRED. When you pay your dues, please remember to support FRED during this fall fundraising campaign. It is easy to do and helps bring much needed funding to rural communities. Thanks to all of the companies who have made donations.

FRED is gearing up for another great year of programs. Telco members should look for a packet of information mailed in mid-September that includes brochures for all four FRED programs. At that time, the brochures will also be available on-line at www.fred.org.

September 13, 2008 - Tech Grants deadline
December 8, 2008 - Leadership Through Learning Program deadline
January 17-21, 2009 - OPASTCO Winter Convention in Kauai
January 19, 2009 - FRED's Traditional Hawaiian Luau