TEMPO Madison Scholarship Overview | February 5, 2026 Deadline
TEMPO Madison is a distinguished organization comprised of professional women in leadership roles who are committed to fostering a positive impact within our community. Our scholarship program exemplifies our dedication to investing in the development of future women leaders.
With generous contributions from TEMPO Madison members and donors to the TEMPO of Madison Foundation, our organization annually provides scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
These scholarships are awarded to individuals who identify as female and are graduating from high school. Additionally, we present a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Betty von Rutenberg, a former member who exemplified leadership and advocacy for women in business. We invite all eligible candidates who are pursuing educational opportunities beyond high school and demonstrate financial need to apply.
The online application, along with a resume, must be submitted by Friday, February 5, 2026. Finalists will be selected for a brief virtual interview during the first week of April, and scholarship recipients will be informed by the first week of May. Scholarship winners will also have the honor of attending a TEMPO Madison luncheon in June.
TEMPO Madison Scholarship Criteria
TEMPO of Madison Scholarships are open to graduating students from a Greater Madison Area high school who identify as female and plan to attend an accredited college or technical school in Fall 2026. These are NOT academic scholarships.
Our scholarships are awarded based on strong character, initiative, leadership, and compassion to those who reflect TEMPO Madison’s commitment to community, dedication to others, and demonstrate financial need.
Requirements of Scholarship Candidates
- Current high school seniors in the Greater Madison Area who identify as female and have demonstrated traits such as perseverance, conscientiousness, empathy for others, and leadership.
- Financial need as described by student and/or completed FAFSA.
- This scholarship is non-academic, but student’s GPA should ensure they can attend the college or technical school of their choice.
- Recipient plans to attend an accredited college, trade, or technical school.
How to Apply: Send the completed application and a resume or one-page profile that includes
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- VOLUNTEER
- and WORK EXPERIENCE
to Megan Purtell at tempomadison@tempomadison.org.
Deadline: February 5, 2026
Timeline review/approve
|
Jan 2026 |
Feb 2026 |
March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 |
June 2025 |
|
Applications accepted; Deadline to apply is 2/5 |
Applications reviewed |
Applicants notified |
Interviews conducted Recommendations submitted to board |
Scholarship recipients notified |
Scholarship recipients attend the TEMPO Madison luncheon |
2026 TEMPO Madison Scholarship Application
Application available January 2, 2026
There is an additional scholarship available described below.
Applying for the Betty von Rutenberg scholarship is optional and you are encouraged to apply.
Betty von Rutenberg Scholarship In the spirit of Betty, we are looking for students with a fun, energetic spirit, a sense of humor, and a zest for life. About Betty von Rutenberg At 16, she graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin. She was very close to her grandmother, who had taught her about business. Unfortunately, at the age of 19, she lost her grandmother. Despite this loss, she graduated, got married, and, along with her husband, started their own business. By the time she passed away in 1996, their business had expanded to include three restaurants, a marina, and various real estate developments. Betty valued charitable work. She was also extremely progressive and ahead of her time on many issues. As a TEMPO Madison member, she worked to promote equal rights and the advancement of women. |