Ellen Classen, Vice President of Marketing for RTFC, presents FRED President Dan Hatzenbuehler a check for FRED Technology Grants in Boston.

Students at Grand Isle School in Louisiana, work on new computers provided by a FRED Technology Grant.

Loretto High School accepts a FRED Technology Grant in 2005.

2008 Technology Grants - Under Review by Committee

2009 Technology Grants - Applications now available!
Technology Grants for Rural Schools program was created to help meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom. The grants are funded by a donation from Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) and strive to help public schools in rural areas served by OPASTCO members bring modern computers to every classroom, connect schools to the information superhighway and make sure that effective and engaging software and online resources are an integral part of the school curriculum.

Download 2009 application here!

Eligibility Requirements

1. Must be a public k-12 school
2. Must be in the service area of an OPASTCO telephone company

2008 Technology Grant Recipients

Thanks to the generosity of RTFC, rural schools located in OPASTCO members' service areas are able to make huge strides in the effort to close the digital divide. In 2008, $50,000 in technology grants was awarded to public schools.

With close to half a million dollars in funding requested, it is clear that RTFC's program fills a great need in our rural communities for technology that enhances the learning experience. Of the more than 60 applications that were reviewed, the following 8 schools.

2007 Technology Grant Recipients

Virginia CUSD #64, Ill.
Nominated by Cass Telephone Company
Grant: $5,638

Sulphur Public School, Okla.
Nominated by Chickasaw Telephone Company
Grant: $10,000

Sutherland Public School, Neb.
Nominated by Great Plains Communications, Inc.
Grant: $5,000

Logan USD #326, Kan.
Nominated by Rural Telephone Service Company, Inc.
Grant: $9,139

Parkside Elementary School, Wash.
Nominated by Tenino Telephone Company
Grant: $6,030

Lynch Public Schools, Neb.
Nominated by Three Rivers Telco
Grant: $9,860

Griggs County Central School District, N. Dak.
Nominated by Inter-Community Telephone Company
Grant: $4,333

Summaries of Past Recipients