Scholarships
Proud to provide over
$20,000 to high school
students in SWKS!

Sponsor: Pioneer Communications sponsors annual scholarships in memoriam of former General Manager Joseph B. Chilen and former Board President Earl B. Williams.
Awarding: Many individual scholarships of up to $2,000 to high school seniors plus scholarships of $500 will be awarded to a student from each school in our service area.
Open to: Graduating high school seniors attending school in Pioneer Communications’ telephone, StreamTV and/or internet service areas.
Application Submission: Deadline February 28, 2023. Please fill out application below:
Please note: 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 ApplicationSponsors: NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association and Pioneer Communications
Awarding: There are 30, $2,500 scholarships available nationally. Four $5,000 FRS Staurulakis Family Scholarships will be awarded to students majoring in math, science, engineering or medicine will be given preference. Two $1,500 TMS scholarships will be awarded. One $7,000 Everett Kneece Return to Rural America Scholarship will be awarded. Three $500 Roger Alan Cox Memorial Scholarships will be awarded. Open to: High school seniors living in the Pioneer Communications telecommunications service area.
Application Submission:
The FRS Scholarship application must be completed online. Register Here.
Application Deadline: February 8, 2023
Focus of the scholarship: FRS was founded in 1994 to help strengthen the ties between rural communities and their families and businesses. Since its establishment by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, FRS has worked hard to promote, educate and advocate rural telecommunications issues to the public in order to sustain and enhance the rural way of life throughout America. Besides being heavily involved in youth education and empowerment, the Foundation for Rural Service leads aggressive public information campaigns and assists rural areas with economic and community development projects.
For more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Open to a high school student that is 16 or 17 years of age at the time of the tour, May 31 – June 4, 2023. 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.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
Click here for information about the Youth Tour.
All applicants must first create an NTCA account.
– Under “Employer Search” enter Pioneer Communications, Ulysses, KS.
– This shows the FRS Youth Tour Committee that Pioneer Communications is the Sponsor for your application.
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.
For more information please contact:
Sheri King / Pioneer Communications
Tel: 620-356-7104
E-mail: sheri.king@pioncomm.net
Note: Local area high schools in the Pioneer Communications service areas also have information and application materials available for the above scholarship programs. Please contact your local Pioneer Communications office or your local High School Counselor for more information.
Pioneer Communications is excited to help you become part of our team! We are offering an Education Sponsorship Program at NCK Tech in Hays, Kansas for those interested in a career in the telecommunications industry. The best part is that we will cover your tuition, books, and housing for FREE!
How to begin?
Click on the link below for details about NCK Tech Telecommunications program and complete the sponsorship application. Pioneer Communications will review your application, interview select candidates, and choose one or more to be part of the program each year. Selected students must sign an agreement stating their intention to complete the 2-year NCK Tech program and earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Telecommunications. Candidates must also agree to summer internships with Pioneer Communications, as well as a minimum of a 3-year employment commitment following graduation.
As an employee of Pioneer Communications, you will work alongside amazing professionals, receive great mentoring from our lead technicians, learn hands-on skills, and apply your knowledge immediately, and help positively impact customers experiences.
Bonus: Pioneer Communications will also provide a housing allowance to the right candidate who agrees to a 4-year employment commitment!
What an AMAZING opportunity!
Education Sponsorship Program Application
Complete and submit the application below before February 1, 2023.