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  TEMPO Madison Scholarship Overview | February 3, 2025 Deadline

TEMPO Madison members are professional women in leadership roles who encourage each other to make a positive difference in our community.  Our scholarship program is just one way we invest in future women leaders. 

Thanks to generous contributions from TEMPO Madison members and donors to the TEMPO of Madison Foundation, TEMPO Madison annually awards 3 to 4 scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to individuals who identify as female and are graduating from high school.  An additional $5,000 scholarship is awarded in memory of Betty von Rutenberg, a TEMPO Madison member, community leader, and advocate for women in business.

Please apply if you are pursuing educational opportunities beyond high school and have financial need. Complete the online application and provide a resume by February 3, 2025. Finalists will be invited to a short, virtual interview during the week of April 7. Scholarships will be awarded in May. Scholarship winners will be invited to attend 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 2025. These are NOT academic scholarships. Our scholarships will be 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 3, 2025

Timeline review/approve

Jan 2025

Feb 2025

March 2025

April 2025

April 2025

May 2025

June 2025

Applications accepted; Deadline to apply is 2/3

Applications reviewed 

Applicants notified

Interviews conducted

Recommendations submitted to board

Scholarship recipients notified

Scholarship recipients attend the TEMPO Madison luncheon on June 10

There are two additional scholarships available in 2025, described below. Applying for these is optional and you are encouraged to apply for one or both. 

Betty von Rutenberg Scholarship
Each year since 1997, one female-identifying high school graduate going to college or technical school has been awarded the TEMPO of Madison Betty von Rutenberg Scholarship. This scholarship was created with money from the von Rutenberg family, their community, and TEMPO Madison member contributions. Past recipients have been awarded approximately $5,000, which is paid directly to the college or university where the student is enrolled.

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
Betty Lou von Rutenberg, a well-known Madison businesswoman, real estate developer, and civic activist, was strong, independent, passionate about success and learning, and had a zest for life. She was a mother and wife who cared deeply for her family and community.

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.


Renee Boyce Scholarship: This scholarship was created with donations from TEMPO Madison members and the Boyce family. It awards $4500 and is paid directly to the college or university where the student is enrolled.

To honor Renee, we want you to tell us how you find joy in assisting others and what your hopes are for future travel adventures.

About Renee Boyce
Renee had an unwavering passion for life and a deep commitment to helping those around her. She found joy in traveling and embarking on adventures, so long as there were proper safety precautions and a well-planned route. Renee was a symbol of strength and resilience, shattering barriers while embodying compassion for others.

A highly accomplished HR director, Renee achieved remarkable success in her professional endeavors. She dedicated her time and efforts to numerous organizations, including the TEMPO group, Olbrich Botanical Gardens Board, Literacy Network, and Columbus Community Hospital Board, leaving a lasting impact on the community she cared for deeply. Although her passing fills our hearts with sorrow, we take solace in knowing Renee is now at peace.

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