In support of continuing education for rural youth, Northwest Communications Cooperative (NCC) is proud to sponsor three scholarship programs. To qualify, the applicant, or the applicant’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must be customers of NCC.
Applications for the following scholarships are sent to area schools and colleges/universities. Additional applications may be obtained by contacting NCC at 701-568-3331 or 800-245-5884. The scholarship applications are also available below for download
For the forty-first year, NCC is sponsoring this scholarship which was established in honor of the previous manager, Art Johnson, who worked for NCC from 1951 to 1985. NCC will be awarding four (4) $1,000 scholarships in 2026. These scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and students in post-secondary institutions. The application deadline is March 12, 2026. (Application link below)
For the twenty-fourth year, NCC is pleased to sponsor a technology scholarship. This scholarship was established in honor of previous General Manager Kenneth Lund, Jr., who worked for NCC from 1969 to 2003. NCC will be awarding two (2) $1,000 technology scholarships in 2026. These scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a curriculum studying the telecommunications, information technology, and/or computer technology field at an accredited technical school or a two or four-year college/university. However, all high school seniors and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is March 12, 2026. (Application link below)
For the twenty-second year, NCC is excited to offer students in our local school districts the opportunity to apply for this national scholarship program sponsored by our national affiliate, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. In 2026, FRS will award thirty (30) $2,500 scholarships to rural high school seniors. This scholarship is not available to students in post-secondary institutions. Local students in our service area will be competing with other rural students in our NTCA region, which includes ND, SD, MN, and WI. Should a student from our service area be selected to receive one of the 30 scholarships, FRS will fund $2,000 and NCC will fund $500. The FRS scholarship is not a scholarship based on grade point average. Rather, it is geared toward seniors who are good, solid students, but may not qualify for scholarship programs based solely upon GPA. Some preference may be given to individuals expressing an interest to return to work in a rural area following graduation. Applications must be submitted online to FRS by February 14, 2026, using this link: https://www.frs.org/scholarships . One application qualifies a student for all applicable available FRS Scholarships.
EXPERIENCE YOUR NATION’S CAPITAL WITH THE 2026 FRS YOUTH TOUR JUNE 1-5
All expenses paid by NCC.
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Youth Tour brings more than 100 high school students and chaperones from rural communities across the nation to Washington, DC, for five days to learn about legislative and agency processes and the important role of broadband services in rural communities. This unique educational experience provides an opportunity to visit Washington, DC, meet high school students from other states, and tour historical sites while also learning about Capitol Hill and the Federal government.
While on the Youth Tour, students and chaperones will:
Who is eligible to participate? Students must be high school students, aged 15, 16, or 17, at the time of the tour. Students aged 18 or over are ineligible to attend.
How do I register? Use the button below to access the application. Applications must be submitted to NCC by February 13, 2026.
Students selected to participate will receive:
The Youth Tour is hosted in partnership with NCC and the Foundation for Rural Service, a non-profit organization whose programs advance rural communities by focusing on education for rural youth, encouraging community development and introducing policymakers to the challenges of providing broadband services in rural communities. Students participating in the Youth Tour will be under the supervision of chaperones and FRS staff at all times.
Elydie Johnson, daughter of Rodney and Nicole Johnson, is a senior at Divide County High School. She has been involved in many extracurricular activities including Student Council, FCCLA, FBLA, Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Softball, and her local Peer-to-Peer Program. She serves her community through volunteer work at Concordia Lutheran Church and as a volunteer softball and volleyball coach. Elydie has held many offices throughout her high school career, including: FCCLA Chapter President, Student Council President, Junior Class President, and Junior Board Member for the Divide County Dollars for Scholars Board. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She enjoys spending time working as a childcare provider at the Crosby Kids Daycare Center and babysitting for families within her community. Elydie plans to attend the University of North Dakota in the fall to pursue a degree in Social Work.
Anna Petersen, daughter of Kris and Sarah Petersen, is a senior at Kenmare High School. She has been involved in several extracurricular activities including cross country, basketball, track, speech, student council, 4-H, FFA, and Close Up. Anna has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has made the Straight A Honor Roll every year of high school. Throughout her years at Kenmare, she has placed at the state level in Cross Country, Basketball, Track, Speech, 4-H, and FFA. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and helping on her family farm and ranch. After graduating, Anna plans to attend the University of North Dakota, majoring in Biology, then eventually become a Sports Medicine Physician.
Clara Ankenbauer, daughter of Bryan and Joy Ankenbauer, is a senior at Bowbells High School. She has been involved in Speech, Drama, Envirothon, Academic Olympics, Student Council, Cross Country, and especially FBLA. She has excelled in academics and extracurriculars, most notably serving as the ND FBLA State President for two consecutive years. In the fall, Clara plans to attend the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, to double major in Finance and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her reading or spending time with friends.
Abby Olson, daughter of Ryan Olson and Lisa Granberg, is a senior at Ray High School. She has been involved in many extracurricular activities including volleyball, basketball, softball, FBLA, Academic Olympics, and Science Olympiad. Abby has maintained a 3.91 GPA and has made the Honor Roll every consecutive year. She has received district and region honors in volleyball, and region honors in softball. Abby also enjoys working as a work study intern at NCC, where she has gained valuable experience and developed important skills.
In the fall, Abby plans to attend the University of North Dakota, where she is excited to continue her education, meet new people, and pursue her future goals.
Emma Melberg, daughter of Caleb and Heidi Melberg, is a senior at Tioga High School. Throughout her high school career, she has been involved in several extracurricular activities, including FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, Student Council, Volleyball, National Honor Society, and Band. She has held numerous leadership roles, most notably FBLA Chapter President, FCCLA Chapter President, Class Vice President, and First Flute Chair. Emma has achieved success in FBLA, competing at the state level three times and qualifying for the national competition twice, including participating at the national level this past year. Beyond academics, she is actively engaged in Youth for Christ, Risen Youth Group, and various Bible studies. This fall, Emma plans to attend Minot State University, where she intends to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Maddix Falk, daughter of Derick and Megan Falk, is a sophomore at Williston State College. During high school, she was a member of many different extracurricular activities, such as volleyball, basketball, and softball, and was an avid member of Ray's FBLA, FFA, and Student Council chapters. Now, she's a proud member of the Teton Softball Team and works as a resident assistant and Learning Commons Desk Clerk at the college, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and honors. After graduating from WSC this spring, Maddix will be transferring to the University of North Dakota to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.
