Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships can come from a variety of local, state, and national sources. Students should consider:
Frequently checking the LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS listing. These links will continue to be updated all year.
Completing the DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS APPLICATION. Available early February.
Applying for scholarships from the college or university the student plans to attend.
Checking with any organizations or businesses associated with the student's family or the student.
Using reputable SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH WEBSITES such as those linked below.
Viewing available scholarships in XELLO.
Carefully researching other scholarship opportunities. A scholarship opportunity is generally not legitimate if the student or family is being asked for money.
QUICK LINKS
Stop by the Student Services Office if you have any issues accessing or downloading a scholarship application.
The scholarships listed below are not part of the Dollars for Scholars foundation. (Updated as the office is notified of scholarships so check back regularly)
Verner E. Suomi Scholarship Award Amount- $3,000
Deadline- April 17, 2026
High school seniors planning to stay in-state for college have a fantastic opportunity to kickstart their studies with the Verner E. Suomi Scholarship. This $3,000 award is hosted by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at UW–Madison and honors the legacy of Professor Suomi, the "father of satellite meteorology." Known for his massive contributions to weather technology and his dedication to teaching, Suomi’s namesake scholarship aims to support the next generation of scientists as they begin their undergraduate journey.
To be eligible, you must be a graduating high school senior planning to enroll in a University of Wisconsin System school. The scholarship is specifically for students pursuing degrees in atmospheric science, meteorology, or remote sensing. If you have a passion for the skies and a strong academic record, this is a prestigious way to fund your freshman year and gain recognition from one of the world's leading satellite research centers.
Kit Eilertson Innovative Educator Amount- $3,000
Deadline- April 22, 2026
The Kit Eilertson Innovative Educator Scholarship is a $3,000 annual award (distributed as $1,500 per semester) dedicated to current or former Sauk Prairie High School graduates pursuing a career in Pre-K through Grade 12 education. This scholarship honors the legacy of Kit Eilertson, a dedicated educator and coordinator who championed experiential learning and community involvement in the Baraboo and Sauk Prairie School Districts. Kit’s career spanned from teaching 4th grade to helping establish early day care centers and the Merrimac Charter Elementary School.
To apply, students must submit a completed application to the Sauk Prairie High School Student Services by Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The application requires personal details, your major area of study, and two detailed essays regarding your past achievements—including community volunteer work—and your aspirations for providing innovative instruction. Additionally, you must attach two letters of recommendation from a school principal, teacher, or counselor. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The recipient will be recognized at the All Schools Award Ceremony.
Kyle Ertmer Skilled Trade Scholarship Amount- $1,500+ Award
Deadline- April 30, 2026
If you are interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade, let us help you! This scholarship can be used towards tuition, purchase of equipment and tools, and other related expenses on your way towards a rewarding career in trade. This scholarship can be used outside of a formal degree program including apprenticeships.
Eligibility-
Sauk Prairie High School Graduate of the current calendar year.
Entering ANY skilled trade, not limited to formal degree programs or schools.
Application sent to KyleErtmerScholarshipFund@gmail.com and received before April 30th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
Four-year, full tuition scholarship
Complete your FAFSA by May 1
The Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program at UW-Madison, established 40 years ago, offers a four-year merit-based scholarship to academically talented and outstanding students who have experienced hardship or disadvantages, which have impacted their educational opportunities. Students are chosen from a national pool of high school seniors for their potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Please see our website for more information about our eligibility criteria.
Four-year, full tuition scholarship
$400 semesterly stipend (fall and spring semesters only; 8 semesters maximum)
One-on-one high touch advising
Mentorship opportunities
Social and Volunteer events
Access to free learning support centers
Monthly Program Meetings with distinguished faculty, staff, and alumni
A supportive community of scholars promoting community-building and intercultural understanding
Columbia County Dairy Promotion
Amount- up to $1,000
Deadline- May 1, 2026
The Columbia County Dairy Promotion Committee is offering up to $1,000 in total scholarship funds for high school seniors who live, work, or attend school in Columbia County. To be eligible, applicants must have experience in the agriculture industry. The selection committee determines the specific number and value of awards based on various criteria, including school and community activities, work experience, dairy involvement, and career plans. Additionally, applicants must submit a short essay of 250 words or less explaining the importance of dairy promotion.
Interested students must submit a typed application and their transcript via email to columbiadairypromo@yahoo.com by midnight on May 1, 2026. Recipients will be notified by May 15, 2026, and are required to volunteer for a shift at either the Columbia County Moo-Day Brunch or the Ice Cream Stand at the Columbia County Fair. Please note that scholarship funds are paid out following the submission of proof that the student has completed one semester of post-secondary education.
Ab Nicholas Scholarship
Amount- $5,000-$10,000
Deadline- June 20, 2026
The Ab Nicholas Scholarship Foundation seeks to make a college degree affordable for Wisconsin high school students who participate as players or managers in their school’s basketball program. Need-based scholarships, renewable annually, are offered for four-year programs at University of Wisconsin System schools only. Over the last 10 plus years, we have proudly helped make a college education affordable for 680+ students and look forward to continuing that tradition.
The Ab Nicholas Scholarship Foundation accepts applications from qualifying seniors each year between February 1 and June 20. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than June 30th at the email address on file.
You must be participating in your high school’s boys or girls basketball program during this (your senior) year either as a player or a manager.
You must be a senior graduating this year from a Wisconsin high school – public or private.
You must attend a University of Wisconsin System school as a full-time student (at least 12 credits), enrolled in a 4-year program.
To renew your scholarship, you must maintain performance consistent with the original award criteria, including a cumulative grade point average greater than 2.0.
For more information and eligibility, visit the website. Application period will open February 1.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, families and individuals, Sauk Prairie Dollars for Scholars annually awards over $200,000 in scholarships earmarked specifically for Sauk Prairie High School graduates.
The application window opens early February and students have three weeks to complete and submit their applications.
Students can also use the Dollars for Scholars website as a general scholarship search website. An account can be created at any time for this purpose.
Contact your reference early to ensure they have enough time to prepare, and confirm that you have permission to use their email address. For a strong recommendation, complete the Letter of Recommendation Request Form and share a copy with your reference.
Students who receive scholarships from Dollars for Scholars may request their distribution following their first completed semester/term of college.
Recipients should email: saukprairiedollarsforscholars@gmail.com and include their college name and student ID number. A check will be sent directly to the financial aid office to be applied to the student's account. Please use the same email for any questions.
Follow the links below to access these reputable scholarship search websites.
Contact Chelsi Schlough at chelsi.schlough@saukprairieschools.org or stop by the Student Services Office!