WROF Premier Scholarship Awards Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation Inc.
Introduction
The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF), Inc. is pleased to open the 2026–2027 WROF, Inc. Premier Scholarship Awards. Thanks to an additional generous contribution from Rural Mutual Insurance, this year’s program will fund two extra awards. WROF, Inc. will award seven scholarships of $3,000 each to rural Wisconsin high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education within Wisconsin and intend to return to rural Wisconsin after completing their studies. The online application will be accessible on this page beginning Monday, January 5, 2026, and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Selection
Recipients will be chosen by an ad-hoc committee made up of WROF, Inc. volunteers.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a high school senior who has lived in rural Wisconsin for a minimum of two years. WROF, Inc. defines “rural” as a non-metropolitan area with a population of 35,000 or fewer that is not adjacent to a city with more than 50,000 residents.
- The student may be enrolled in a public, private, or home school located in Wisconsin.
- The student must plan to pursue post-secondary education at an institution in Wisconsin and intend to return to rural Wisconsin after graduation.
- Academic focus should be in an area that supports the economic vitality and quality of life in rural communities—for example, agriculture, healthcare, large-animal veterinary medicine, environmental studies, or sustainable practices.
- Demonstrated financial need is required.
Award Use
Scholarship funds are intended to cover post-secondary tuition and other eligible educational expenses at Wisconsin institutions.
Awards Luncheon
All awardees are required to attend an awards luncheon with the WROF, Inc. Board of Directors on Monday, August 3, 2026, to receive their scholarship checks. The event location will be announced at a later date.
Application Instructions and Requirements
- The application must be completed in a single session; you will not be able to return later to make changes.
- Two letters of recommendation are REQUIRED and must be uploaded at the time you submit your application.
- Important: Applicants themselves must upload recommendation letters. Letters sent directly from references or emailed separately will not be accepted. Confirm the upload process with your recommenders ahead of time.
How to Apply Online
1. Locate the application form on this page.
2. Complete all requested information in one sitting.
3. Upload your two letters of recommendation and your high school transcript.
4. Submit the application.
5. Only applications that include the completed form, both recommendation letters, and the high school transcript, submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
6. Applicants selected to receive awards will be notified in May 2026.
If you have questions about the application or required documents, contact WROF, Inc. before beginning your submission.