Minot, N.D. – SRT has announced the 2026 winners of seven college scholarships totaling $15,000.
The following six students each won a $2,000 SRT General Scholarship:
- Brynn Hanson (Burlington) – DLB High School
- Hattie Heer (Douglas) – South Prairie High School
- Cooper Kittleson (Velva) – Velva High School
- Sam Knudsvig (Minot) – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
- Collin Swenson (Minot) – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
- Brooke Zimmer (Mohall) – MLS-Mohall High School
Tate Heer of Douglas won the $3,000 SRT Technical Scholarship. He will attend Bismarck State College’s Electrical Lineworker program.
“We always look forward to rewarding area students for their accomplishments,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO and General Manager. “As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary this year, we are especially honored to continue this decades-long commitment of supporting local youth and their bright futures.”
Shaun Randall and Makayla White of Berthold High School will represent SRT at the 2026 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. These students will learn about the telecommunications industry, tour the nation’s capital, and meet with legislative leaders to discuss their experiences in rural North Dakota.
A panel of SRT board members and employees evaluated General Scholarship applications on scholastic performance and achievements, volunteerism and community involvement, and an essay submission. SRT Technical Scholarship applicants were required to submit volunteerism and community involvement, scholastic performance, an essay, and a letter of recommendation from a community member or educator.
SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative and a multi-gig internet provider. Established in 1951, SRT employs roughly 180 people and serves more than 25,000 customers across north-central North Dakota. SRT built a fiber optic broadband network throughout its service area. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security and surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.srt.com.


