Youth Corner
At Mid Century, our commitment to our communities begins with our young people.
We have historically been very involved with our youth and schools, from ensuring access to the technology needed today to providing opportunities such as Youth Day, Youth to Washington, D.C. and a College Scholarship Program.
College Scholarship
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. In keeping with its mission, furthering the education of rural youth is one of the foundation’s primary focuses. Our company, Mid Century Telephone Cooperative, is a member of the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association and is proud to support FRS in this worthy endeavor.
These scholarships are available to students for the student’s first year of college or vocational school. All applicants require sponsorship by an NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association member company to be eligible and must meet the following eligibility requirements.
- Must be a graduating high school senior
- Have at least a C grade point average
- Be accepted by an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or vocational-technical school
- Must live in a household with telephone service provided by Mid Century Telephone Cooperative. These exchanges are Altona (484), Bishop Hill (927), Ellisville (293), Fairview (778), Gilson (876), Lafayette (995), Maquon (875), Marietta (926), Smithfield (783), Summum (759), Table Grove (758), Victoria (879), Williamsfield (639), and Yates City (358).
Mid Century will award up to four $1,000 scholarships. Should a student from our service area be selected as a national FRS winner ($2,000), Mid Century will contribute an additional $1,000 to the scholarship, brining the total one-time scholarship award to $3,000.
Details regarding the 2025 FRS Scholarship will be available in the late fall of 2024.
If you need assistance or have questions about the scholarship program, please contact marketing@midcentury.com.
Sidney Stiers from Williamsfield, IL, receives a $1,000 Mid Century Scholarship Award.
Olivia Miller from Cuba, IL, receives a $1,000 Mid Century Scholarship Award.
Youth Day
Mid Century is proud to be part of the annual Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day event in Springfield, IL. For over 50 years, this event has provided young leaders the chance to learn from today’s public officials. Each year, nearly 300 outstanding students get an up-close look at democracy in action by meeting their elected representatives.
Mid Century sponsors up to two students from each area high school serving our members. There is no cost to the student or the school, and meals and transportation are provided. At the end of the day, two students from our group are selected to represent Mid Century in Washington, D.C., for the annual “Youth to Washington” tour. Both programs offer wonderful educational experiences for our youth.
Youth to Washington, D.C. Tour
Held annually in June, Mid Century sponsors two area students on the “Youth to Washington, D.C. Tour”, a week-long trip to our nation’s capital full of fun, fellowship, and educational opportunities. Over 1,500 youth from across the nation participate, visiting historical sites, meeting with national legislators, and learning about the importance of cooperatives. Selected from the Youth Day contingency, students attend at no cost, aside from personal expenses for mementos and souvenirs. Other students may join the trip as “Willie” by covering their own expenses.
The tour aims to help outstanding rural youth understand the value of cooperatives in rural areas. It familiarizes them with the historic and political landscape of Washington D.C., through through visits to monuments, government buildings, and cooperative organizations.
Meetings with elected officials give students a deeper understanding of the federal government, the political process, and democracy. Most importantly, the tour allows Mid Century to recognize and celebrate the achievements of exceptional youth people from rural communities.