James L. Bass Legal Scholarship 2025

The James L. Bass Legal Scholarship honors the legacy of James Bass, whose active law career spanned more than 70 years helping secure funds for rural telephone systems and bringing modern telephone service to rural areas. He was pivotal in the creation of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, where he served as one of the organization's earliest Presidents and continued his leadership with service for more than 50 years as legal counsel. Recognizing Mr. Bass's impact to the industry and his passion for the legal profession, the NTCA Board established this scholarship for students entering their first year of law school who have an interest in rural communities. The scholarship will be awarded in the Spring of 2025 and be at least $5,000. The award is paid directly to the educational institution upon proof of enrollment and registration at a law school. The scholarship is awarded on a one-time basis and is not renewable or deferrable.