Wilkes Communications Scholarship Program
2023 applications are now being accepted!
Application deadline: April 7, 2023
About the Wilkes Communications Scholarship Program
Wilkes Communications is dedicated to adding value to the lives of our customers and the communities we serve. In 2008, Wilkes Communications established a scholarship program to support high school graduates throughout the service area. Each spring, the Scholarship Selection Committee thoroughly reviews applications and awards scholarships to commendable graduates to further their educational journey. Since the program began Wilkes Communications has proudly awarded approximately $400,000 dollars to over 400 deserving seniors.
Eligibility
To qualify a student must meet the following requirements:
- Parent/Guardian must be a Wilkes Communications, active account holder
- Graduating senior of the 2022-2023 school year
- Plan to attend a college or university during the fall 2023 academic year
- Must be in good standing with your high school
- Submit online application
Application Documents
Required Documentation from the student:
- Photo
- Current Transcript
- A one-page essay describing why the scholarship is important to you, why attending college is important to you, what you plan to do in the next ten years
- Two letters of recommendation from community members (not associated with school or board of education)
- Counselor or teacher recommendation
- Online submission of application
The deadline for all applications is April 7, 2023.
The Scholarship disbursement will be paid directly to the college or university according to the institution’s payment policy, after Wilkes Communications receives a letter from the recipient confirming his/her enrollment. The scholarship must be utilized within one year.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
West Wilkes High School
– Kendall Stanley
– Emma Lowe
– McKenzie Livingston
– Emily Holman
– Lane Holbrook
– Samuel Ty Bryan
– Sydney Sheets
– Carson Reid Stanley
West Wilkes High School 9-10 & WCC Diploma Program
– Ethan Perry
North Wilkes High School
– Riley Berrier
East Wilkes High School
– Macie Bell
– Titus Miller
– Laci Anderson
– Kole Eli Lambert
Wilkes Central High School
– Isabelle Curry
– Makenna Adaline Freeman
– Zoe Mathis
Wilkes Early College High School
– Hardin Kennedy
– Alondra Rosales
– Benjamin Zanon
Other Scholarship Opportunities
As a member of the NTCA we are proud advocates of the Foundation For Rural Service (FRS) programs. The FRS provides scholarships, youth tours, and a number of other programs to help invest in the next generation of leaders and citizens.
The 2023 FRS Scholarship Program is Open
Each year, the foundation awards $2,500 scholarships to an exceptional group of rural students for their freshman year of college or vocational school. All applicants require sponsorship by an NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association member company to be eligible. FRS has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception; empowering rural students throughout the country to advance their communities with invaluable skill sets and experiences.
Applications will be accepted until February 8, 2023.
FRS Youth Tour
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Wilkes Communications will be sponsoring two students from our Cooperative Membership for this once in a lifetime opportunity to see our nation’s capital in action. During the tour, students will have the opportunity to tour famous historical sites and monuments, meet with FCC and congressional staff, develop leadership skills, and build relationships with peers that can last a lifetime.
Eligibility:
- Students must be high school students, age 15, 16, 17 at the time of the tour
- Students age 18 or over are ineligible to attend
Wilkes Communications Sponsorship Includes:
- Four nights of hotel accommodations
- Three meals a day
- Bus transportation to all activities
- Admission to ticketed events
- Special entertainment
- Your Tour t-shirt