Western Cooperative Electric is proud to announce the first year of the W.O.R.K. Scholarship (Working Opportunities for Rural Kansas), a new initiative supporting individuals who have completed postsecondary education and returned to live and work within Western Cooperative Electric’s service area.

This $1,000 scholarship helps recent graduates tackle student loan or school debt as they reestablish themselves in the rural communities they call home. Funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s loan provider or educational institution.

This is the inaugural year of the W.O.R.K. Scholarship, made possible by Western’s Board of Trustees. The board introduced this pilot program to recognize and assist the growing number of young professionals choosing to live, work, and contribute to rural western Kansas.

“We know how important it is to attract skilled, educated individuals back to rural areas,” said Nolan Numrich, CEO/GM. “This scholarship is a way to support those who are choosing to invest in our communities, and we hope it makes a meaningful difference.”

But don’t wait—applications are due no later than 5 PM on August 1, 2025.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have completed postsecondary education
• Be permanently living within Western Cooperative Electric’s service territory
• Provide proof of residency, employment or volunteer status, and schooling debt

Applications are open now through August 1 at 5 PM.

Apply online at: www.westerncoop.com/form/w-o-r-k-scholarship

For more information, contact Christina Hayes, Member Services Manager, at 785-743-5561 or chayes@westerncoop.com.