TEMPO Madison Foundation Scholarship Information
Application Available January 5, 2026| Deadline to Apply February 6, 2026
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 $2,500 to $5,000.
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
Eligibility Criteria:
- 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.
- Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or technical school in the Fall of 2026.
- This scholarship is non-academic, but students' GPAs should ensure they can attend the college or technical school of their choice.
These scholarships celebrate non-academic achievements, prioritizing qualities such as strong character, initiative, leadership, compassion, and dedication to community service—values that align with TEMPO Madison's mission. Additionally, we will consider financial need to ensure that deserving candidates have the opportunity to succeed.
Application Information Required
Completed online application, which will also include a resume or one-page profile with:
- Extracurricular Activities
- Volunteer
- and Work Experience
to Megan Purtell at tempomadison@tempomadison.org.
Deadline: February 6, 2026
Timeline review/approve
|
Jan 2026 |
Feb 2026 |
March 2026 |
April 2026 |
May 2026 |
June 2025 |
|
Online application opens Jan 5 |
Deadline to apply is 2/6 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 Monday, January 5, 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. In the early nineteen-sixties, Betty and her husband, Bill, decided to leave her family's restaurant business to start a family and a business of their very own. By the time of her death, her company consisted of three restaurants (Mariner's and Captain Bill's Nau-ti-gal), a marina, and real estate developments. However, what mattered most to her was her relationship with her family and friends. As a TEMPO Madison member, she worked to promote equal rights and the advancement of women. She was a lifelong Madisonian who absolutely loved the city, the lakes, and its people. When Betty joined TEMPO, it was instantaneous love. She felt she had landed. It was amazing to be in the company of women like her. Women who are strong, independent, passionate about success, and learning with a zest for life. She encouraged all of us to be more. |
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.