APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4:00 P.M. February 20, 2026

PURPOSE:
The Gertrude Studer Memorial Scholarship award program is offered by North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NWEC) and awarded by the Edgerton Area Foundation in memory of Gertrude Studer. She spent her entire life in rural Edgerton in homes serviced by NWEC. Gertrude is credited with attending every annual meeting of the cooperative since its inception. She also loved attending the Williams County Fair and was involved in the local 4-H and FFA organizations throughout her life.

Following her death at the age of 109 in February 2017, the Gertrude Studer Memorial Scholarship was created to encourage and reward rural Williams County students who have been involved in the 4-H and/or FFA organizations and who have committed themselves to the pursuance of further training and education while also offering the students an opportunity to become more aware of rural cooperative careers.

AWARD:
One winner will receive a $500 cash award. The award is non-renewable. The disbursement of the award will be administered by the Edgerton Area Foundation.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
To be considered for this award, all the following MUST BE submitted with the application. Before beginning the application below, please be prepared to provide these materials.

  • An official, signed grade transcript
    Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent standing on a nontraditional scale.

  • One essay - typed, 800 words maximum - guidelines below

  • A recent photo of the applicant - A photocopy of a photo is acceptable

SCHOLARSHIP RULES
The following provisions will govern the acceptance of applicants for the Gertrude Studer Memorial Scholarship:

  • Applicants must be the son, daughter, or legal ward of a permanent residential NWEC member receiving service for the duration of the 2025-2026 academic year (August 2025 - June 2026). Children/wards of NWEC commercial members are not eligible unless one of their parents/legal guardians is also a permanent residential NWEC member.

  • Applicants must be graduating seniors who have all basic credits for college or proper vocational or technical school entrance. A “proper vocational or technical school” is defined as a post-secondary institution where credits can be transferred to a state accredited four-year college.

  • Applicants must be a permanent resident of Williams County and attend a high school located within Williams County.

  • Applicants must be actively involved in a local 4-H and/or FFA organization.

  • Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent standing on a nontraditional scale.

  • Winners must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited college or proper vocational/technical school of students’ choice to claim their scholarship.

  • Members of the immediate families and persons residing in the households of trustees or employees of NWEC are not eligible to participate in the competition.

  • Applicants who receive “full-ride” scholarships (i.e., scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, room, board and books) to the schools of their choice are not eligible for scholarships from NWEC.

  • All scholarships must be accepted in the first academic year following the student’s high school graduation. However, an extension of one year may be granted for just cause in the judgment of the President/CEO of NWEC. In the event students are unable to fulfill their enrollment obligation under this program, the award is forfeited.

  • These rules supersede all previous rules for this scholarship.

All rules stated within this document conform to the policies and program guidelines as set forth by North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc.

ESSAY GUIDELINES
The North Western Electric Cooperative Gertrude Studer Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Edgerton native Gertrude Studer who was dedicated to her family, her electric cooperative and to her local 4-H and FFA organizations.

Each applicant must submit a short essay describing how the applicant’s involvement in 4-H and/or FFA has enriched their lives, has assisted in the development of their personal character, and has contributed to their ability to succeed.

The suggested outline will answer the following points:

  • Why did you join 4-H and/or FFA?

  • What types of activities have you been involved in since you joined?

  • What specific goals as a part of the organization have you achieved and how did you achieve the goals?

  • Why do you think your involvement in the organization will help you to succeed at college/vocational/technical school?

The essay must be at least 800 words and must be typed, double-spaced. Please place your name and address at the top of each page.

Are you over 18?

If you are younger than 18, please provide your parents' or guardians' information below: 

What is the estimated length of the program?

Work experience

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Statement of Applicant, Parent or Guardian

We have examined this application and the records are true, complete and accurate. In addition, we acknowledge and agree that North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc. may disclose any or all of the information contained in this application and the supporting documents to the judges of the scholarship competition and to any employees of North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc. Winners’ names and photos will be published in our magazine, on our website and on our social media pages.