January 7, 2026

GIRARD, Kan. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand fields. 

This year marks an expansion from eight scholarships to 12, with three scholarships available in each of Heartland’s four voting districts.

The program provides financial support to students in Heartland-served households who are pursuing careers in nursing, teaching and the skilled trades at Kansas-based schools. 

“We’re seeing a critical need for skilled workers across our communities,” said Doug Graham, Heartland REC Communication Specialist. “Whether it’s nurses, teachers or tradespeople, these careers are essential to ensuring our rural communities can continue to thrive.”

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a current high school senior with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Live in a household served by Heartland REC

Plan to enroll in a Kansas-based trade school, training program, or college for fall 2026

Be pursuing a career in nursing, teaching, or a skilled trade including linework, plumbing, HVAC, construction, IT, and others

Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and an official high school transcript by end of day Friday, March 13, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be selected through a random drawing and notified by April 1, 2026.

Complete eligibility requirements and the application form are available at heartland-rec.com. Questions can be directed to Doug Graham at (620) 724-5526 or dougg@heartland-rec.com.