And why giving back to schools is a priority.
As a local, member-owned cooperative, SkyLine understands the tremendous value in investing not just in our local community, but specifically in our children and students. For years, SkyLine has prioritized area school systems and their attendees through partnerships and programs designed to meet different needs and enrich the education experience.
Check out the ways SkyLine prioritizes giving back to local schools & students:
The SkyLine Student Connect Grant Program
Since 2006, SkyLine has donated nearly $500,000 to local schools for funding technology in the classroom – specifically by supplying Smart Boards and related equipment. In more recent years, the focus of the Student Connect Grant has adapted to providing broadband connections to students lacking connection at home. (The need for at-home internet was further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.) The grant seeks to provide direct access to a school-issued device for the student to use for educational purposes during the current academic school year. SkyLine will provide up to 15 student broadband service connections, with a 1:1 match option for schools to fund an additional 15 students in the program. SkyLine is committed to adapting to the needs of our local schools and students. For more information on our Student Connect Grant, click here.
Local Scholarships
SkyLine established the SkyLine Telephone Membership Corporation Scholarship (later renamed the Frank James-SkyLine Scholarship) in 1987 to offer higher education opportunities to high school seniors with limited means. Since then, SkyLine has awarded more than a half million dollars to deserving high school graduates. This scholarship is presented each year to benefit the children of SkyLine/SkyBest customers who reside in its five-county service area. Read about the 2021 winners by clicking here.
Our affiliated state and national associations provide additional scholarship opportunities to our region's youth, including the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Scholarship. Read our 2022 News Article to learn more about this scholarship opportunity, and be sure to check out our piece on one of the 2018 recipients from Watauga County!
Directory Recycling Drive
As a resident of the High Country, SkyLine strives to be good stewards in our community. One way we do this is through our Directory Recycling Drive partnership with local schools. For over 25 years, this program has diverted old directories from landfills to be recycled into new uses ranging from hydro-seeding mulches and paper products to new telephone directories. Through this schools have received funds to support media center acquisitions, school beautification projects and field trip experiences for students. This partnership offers a “best of both worlds” solution for investing in our schools and caring for our world.
Youth Leadership Programs
Area high school students have the chance to apply for summer leadership programs through the Cooperative Council of North Carolina and the Foundation for Rural Service in Washington, D.C.
North Carolina Cooperative Leadership Camp at White Lake
At Co-Op Camp, students learn the cooperative way of doing business, gain college and scholarship application tips and cultivate friendships in a camp environment with their peers across the state.
FRS Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
Area high school juniors can apply for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and take a whirlwind tour of our nation's capital while learning the critical role that telecommunications providers like SkyLine play to ensure their rural communities remain viably connected to the world and to the latest in telecommunications technology.
Giving back to schools helps create an engaging environment where students can thrive. SkyLine has a rich history of supporting area schools through diverse programs and funding. To learn more about the ways SkyLine partners with schools, and the community as a whole, click here.