MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted for the Future Innovators Scholarship Competition, according to an announcement from 509Fiber, which sponsors the scholarship.

All high school seniors in Grant, Chelan and Douglas counties may submit a project or proposal related to improving community connectivity, according to the announcement. Students may submit their project as an individual or as part of a team. A winner or winning team will be chosen from each of the three counties and will earn a $300 scholarship as well as mentorship opportunities with the 509Fiber team.

Suggested categories include: 

App Development: Is there an app that could improve how your community connects? How might people use this app? Who would benefit from it?

Network Infrastructure Improvement: What can be done in your area to improve internet, cell phone, or TV streaming connection? How would that get done and how much would it cost? Get specific!

Digital Inclusion Initiatives: How might local internet service providers do a better job of reaching out to those who are often left out or overlooked? How can the digital world be more inclusive?

Technology in Agriculture: How can we better use technology to improve agricultural production? Could technology be a way to improve sustainability?

Students are not required to choose one of these categories, according to the announcement, but are free to come up with others they consider applicable to their community. 

Students should submit their name, contact information, and a general project idea by Dec. 31 at the form found at  509fiber.com/scholarship. This will allow 509Fiber to send more information about the competition and upcoming dates. At this stage of the competition, it’s not necessary to have a project ready; even a one-sentence description is sufficient, according to the announcement.

A submission should be in a slideshow format of five to 10 slides and include the following points:

• An introduction to the student: What’s your name? Where are you from and what high school do you attend? What are your goals with this project? What are your plans after high school?

• A description of the project: What is the general idea for your innovative project? Why did you choose this project?

• Feasibility: How would this project be done? How would it be funded? Who would be the one to carry it out? 

• Community impact: How would this impact your community? How does this meet 509Fiber’s goal of improving community connectivity?

Slideshow presentations should be submitted to [email protected] no later than March 1, 2025. Students will have an opportunity to present their projects to members of the 509Fiber team and potentially other competitors, according to the announcement. More information is available at  509fiber.com/scholarship.