Paul Bunyan Communications Youth Tour Essay Contest
For Students Ages 16–17
Win a FREE Trip to Washington, D.C. June 1-5, 2026!
Deadline: Friday, February 27
Want to travel, explore D.C., and meet students from across the country? Enter for your chance to join the 2026 FRS Youth Tour – totally free. This is your chance to experience big opportunities beyond your hometown and represent your rural community on a national stage.
What You’ll Do in D.C.
- Tour famous landmarks & Smithsonian museums
- Meet members of Congress
- Learn how rural broadband shapes the future
- See how decisions in D.C. impact your community
- Hang out with students from rural areas all over the U.S.
- Take a nighttime tour of Washington, D.C. (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds)
How to Enter
Submit online by February 27:
- A short essay (500 words max) on why you want to go
- One letter of recommendation
Who Can Apply
- Students 16 or 17 during the tour
- Must be in high school
- Parent/guardian must be a Paul Bunyan Communications member
About FRS
The Youth Tour is hosted by the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), which helps rural youth learn about broadband, leadership, and how government decisions shape their communities. FRS is part of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, of which PBC is a proud member. https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/youth-tour
Past Youth Tour Winners
- 2025: Joseph Loehlein of Turtle River
- 2024: Julia Frenzel of Blackduck
- 2023: Michael Van Horn of Blackduck
- 2022: Amelia Scherling of Bemidji
Online Entry Form
(all information required, unless indicated otherwise)
Deadline reminder: All entries must be received by Friday, February 27.