Nex-Tech WTA 2026 Scholarship

Hays, KS, September 2, 2026 — Nex-Tech is proud to announce that Derek Clydesdale and Savana Rumback have been selected as recipients of the WTA Foundation Scholarship Program.  Derek received a $1,500 trade school scholarship, and Savana Rumback received a $1,750.00 academic scholarship. These awards highlight not just their amazing academic achievements but also the hard work and dedication they’ve shown throughout their educational journey.

Dereck is the son of Teresa Clydesdale, an Account Specialist at Nex-Tech, and recently graduated from Norton Community High School.  He is still deciding which college to attend and plans to pursue a degree in Auto Body Collision/Refinishing.

Savana, the daughter of Missy Rumback, an Accounts Payable Representative at Nex-Tech, recently graduated from Norton Community High School.  She will be attending Fort Hays State University to pursue a degree in Graphic Design.

The WTA Foundation awarded five trade scholarships and twelve academic scholarships in 2026 totaling $35,000.  These scholarships support graduating high school seniors from rural communities, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to empowering youth in rural America.  By investing in their education, the Foundation helps foster long-term growth and resilience in the communities served by WTA member companies.

“Nex-Tech is proud to support national organizations like WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband that help create opportunities for youth development,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manager. “Derek and Savana have achieved something truly noteworthy, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”

A complete list of scholarship recipients and the WTA member companies supporting the program is available online.

About Nex-Tech

Nex-Tech connects thousands of people and businesses through a robust broadband network and cutting-edge technology. Nex-Tech’s powerful fiber-to-the-premise technology delivers the highest quality Internet, with speeds up to 1 Gig, streaming TV, home security, and local and long-distance phone service. Nex-Tech also provides an array of enterprise solutions, including cloud services, Hosted PBX, network security, managed IT, physical security and surveillance, advertising solutions, and network operations monitoring to business clients nationwide.

Nex-Tech focuses on providing the best technology and support with the best people. With stores in more than 20 locations, a full-service Help Desk, and a 24-hour Network Operations Center, Nex-Tech customers are ensured unsurpassed technology and support. Headquartered in Lenora, Kansas, Nex-Tech has been delivering exceptional service for more than 70 years.

About WTA

Advocates for Rural Broadband (WTA) is a national trade association that represents more than 370 small, rural broadband carriers providing voice, broadband, and video-related services in the United States. WTA’s members serve some of the most rural and hard-to-serve communities in the country and are on the forefront of bringing 21st Century broadband services to rural America. To learn more about WTA, visit www.w-t-a.org.