TDS Telecom opens nominations for 2026 WSTF Scholarship Applicants

TDS will award Wisconsin high school seniors with $1,000 to $1,500 scholarships

Attention Wisconsin high school seniors: TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) and other Wisconsin communications companies have begun their search for Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation (WSTF) Scholarship candidates. Outstanding students selected for this honor will receive a one-time $1,500 scholarship to a four-year institution or a one-time $1,000 scholarship to a two-year technical college.

In 2026, the foundation will award a minimum of 24 scholarships to high school seniors graduating this spring. Interested students can apply online and review eligibility requirements at the WSTF Scholarship website. Applications must be electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Applications must include a headshot, high school transcripts, a 250 to 500-word essay, and a letter of recommendation.

“At TDS, we are always inspired by the ambition and potential of Wisconsin’s high school seniors as they take the next step toward higher education,” said Angie Dickison, TDS State Government Affairs Manager. “The WSTF scholarship program reflects our commitment to empowering these students by easing the financial challenges of college, ensuring that opportunity is within reach for young people in the communities we proudly serve.”

Academic excellence is taken into consideration but is not the only factor in awarding the scholarships. The primary considerations are a sincere desire for students to continue their education, community and school involvement, and financial need.

In 2025, the foundation awarded a total of $44,250 to 24 deserving high school seniors, including 20 $1,500 scholarships; one $1,500 Bruce Reuber WSTF Memorial Scholarship; and five $750 scholarships to students attending a technical college. Since 1966, the foundation has awarded more than $1.9 million to support over 1,500 students across Wisconsin.

The foundation is part of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association (WSTA), which is a trade organization representing more than 65 Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers.

Media Contact: Garrett Seymour | Senior Brand Journalist | TDS Telecom | 608-664-5529 | garrett.seymour@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) provides broadband, video and voice through its TDS Telecom business. Its Array business leases and offers tower space to third-party carriers. Founded in 1969, TDS is headquartered in Chicago. Visit tdsinc.com.

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