Scholarship Opportunities

Solarus is proud to present two scholarship opportunities from the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation and Foundation for Rural Service.

The WSTF Scholarship Program

The Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation will award a minimum of 24 scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2026. All submissions will be reviewed by local representatives and top applicants will be invited for an in-person interview. Solarus is permitted to advance a total of six applications from all schools in our Wood County service area and two from our Manawa territory.

About

WSTF ScholarshipThe purpose of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is to promote educational and scientific advancement by helping individuals obtain instructions or training to improve and develop their capabilities. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1.8M in scholarships to over 1,500 students.

Eligibility

Students in graduating classes of high schools in Wisconsin are eligible to a Foundation scholarship. Each applicant must be endorsed by a participating local exchange telephone company, including Solarus.

Academic excellence is taken into considered but is not paramount to receiving one of the scholarships. The primary considerations are: First, the student has expressed a sincere desire to continue his or her education; Second, has demonstrated the ability; and Third, has financial need.

Award

A one-time award for 4-year college applicants of $1,500 or a one-time award for 2-year technical college applicants of $1,000. Solarus will award winning applicants an additional $500 scholarship.

Deadline

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:59pm CST

 

The Foundation for Rural Service General Scholarship

Students in the Solarus service territories are also welcome to apply for the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) $2,500 scholarship.

Applications will be reviewed by the FRS.

About

FRS LogoSince 1994, the Foundation for Rural Service aims to assist people and communities in rural areas that receive telephone and broadband service from members of NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association. FRS believes that the future of our rural communities is intrinsically lnked to the future of our nation and a whole. FRS has awarded over $2M in scholarships since its inception, empowering rural students to advance their communities with invaluable skill sets and experiences.

Eligibility

All applicants must reside in the service area of an NTCA member. The application requires the student to identify "Solarus"  or other member company from a drop-down menu. The student must be enrolling in their first year of a 2-year or 4-year college, or vocational school.

New in 2026 is a scholarship opportunity for non-traditional students who have not recently graduated from high school and plan to enter college or vocational school while working, or returning students who have taken a break from their studies.

Award

A one-time award for $2,500 for the first year of 2-year or 4-year college or vocational school. Applicants may also be eligible for additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $9,000.

Deadline

Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:59pm