SCHOLARSHIPS
Proud to provide over
$20,000 to high school
students in SWKS!
Pioneer Communications provides annual scholarships in memoriam of former General Manager Joseph B. Chilen and former Board President Earl B. Williams. Individual scholarships of up to $2,000 will be awarded to students from each school in our service area.
Open to: 2027 graduating high school seniors
Application Deadline: March 21, 2027
Please note – IMPORTANT – Student’s parent or guardian must be a Pioneer Communications telephone, StreamTV or internet customer. Children of Pioneer Communications’ employees are not eligible for this scholarship.
If you have any other questions or need more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Memorial Scholarship Application
Joseph B. Chilen & Earl B. Williams Memorial Scholarship Application
Open to: A high school student that is 15,16 or 17 years of age at the time of the tour. If applicant turns 18 during the tour dates, they are ineligible for the Youth Tour. Student must live in a household receiving any of the following Pioneer Communications services: Telephone, StreamTV, or Internet.
Online Application Deadline: March 21, 2027
Focus of the Youth Tour:
Offers rural students an inside look at the telecommunications industry.
Educates students about the legislative and governmental process.
Gives students the opportunity to experience the nation’s capital.
Allows students to meet other youth from rural communities across the country and to form friendships that last a lifetime.
Click here for a short video about the FRS Youth Tour.
Flyer about the 2027 FRS Youth Tour.
For more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Note: Local high schools in the Pioneer Communications service areas also have information available for the above scholarship programs. Feel free talk to your high school counselor for more information.
FRS annually awards scholarships to rural students for their first year of 2-year or 4-year college, or vocational school. All applicants require sponsorship by Pioneer Communications to be eligible.
The value of the scholarships ranges from $500-$9,000, based on a variety of criteria. One application qualifies a student for all available FRS scholarships.
Sponsors: Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) and Pioneer Communications
Ready to apply?
Review the scholarship requirements, then complete your application online.
View Scholarship Details & Requirements
[Apply Online]
Application Deadline: March 21, 2027
For more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Interested in a career in telecommunications? Pioneer Communications can help you get started through our education sponsorship with Fort Hays Tech | North Central in Hays, Kansas.
Selected students receive support to complete the two-year program and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Telecommunications. Required summer internships with Pioneer Communications provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to put classroom skills to work.
What’s included?
- Required tuition, books and fees for the two-year program
- Required tools, if applicable
- Summer internship experience with Pioneer Communications
- A housing allowance for eligible students who agree to a four-year employment commitment
Students learn about fiber optics, cabling, computer networking and telecommunications safety, preparing them for a career helping keep our communities connected.
Who can apply?
Recent high school graduates and students currently enrolled in the program will be considered. Applicants must complete an application and interview with Pioneer Communications staff.
What’s the commitment?
After completing the program and required internships, sponsored students agree to work for Pioneer Communications for at least three years, or four years if receiving a housing allowance. Employment may be in Engineering, Field Operations, Information Technology or another department determined by Pioneer Communications.
Students who withdraw before graduation or choose not to become employed by Pioneer Communications must repay the tuition, books and tools paid on their behalf. Full sponsorship terms and housing requirements are available in the program document.
View the Full Sponsorship Details
Ready to learn more? Apply Below
Application Deadline: March 21, 2027
For more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Fort Hays Tech North Central Application
Fort Hays Tech North Central Education Sponsorship Program Application
