Feb 25, 2026 | posted by Lily Chavez
For high school students from rural communities, the FRS Youth Tour is more than a trip — it’s a transformational experience that broadens horizons, builds leadership, and brings Washington, D.C. to life. Hosted by the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) and local communication cooperatives like DirectLink, this annual Youth Tour invites selected students to spend five unforgettable days with all-expenses paid in the nation’s capital, learning, exploring, and connecting with peers from across rural America.
DirectLink’s 2024 Youth Tour recipient, Soliel Sowa from Mt. Angel recalled, “Being there made me realize that there’s a lot of things I could do where I’m directly impacting people and communities.”
Applications for the 2026 Youth Tour applications from both Canby and Mt. Angel are due March 6, 2026 at 5PM.
At its heart, the Youth Tour is designed to educate and inspire. Participants gain firsthand insight into how federal policy and regulation affect rural life and broadband — a crucial issue for small towns across the country — through meetings with Congressional and Federal Communications Commission staff.
But the experience goes far beyond policy briefings. Students explore iconic historical sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and Smithsonian museums, and even take part in cultural activities in Washington. These shared experiences help build confidence, ignite curiosity, and foster friendships with other young leaders from rural areas.
Because the tour is sponsored by DirectLink and other local broadband cooperatives, students and chaperones attend at no cost — lodging, meals, transportation, and most activities are included.
“I love learning and I love museums and seeing all of the cool things they have,” said Nicholas Sano, the 2024 Youth Tour student from the Canby Service Area.
Whether a student is passionate about history, civics, community leadership, or simply curious about the world beyond their hometown, the FRS Youth Tour offers an unmatched opportunity to see the nation, meet new people, and return home with inspiration and skills that can last a lifetime.
Click here to learn more about the FRS Youth Tour.
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