About Us

In 1926 West Bend High School alumni contributed to a fund used for $50 book awards given to outstanding graduates.   The West Bend High School Alumni Foundation was established in 1945 and solicited funds for book awards and for a broader base of financial support.  In 1961 the foundation obtained tax-exempt status and began the scholarship and aid program with awards totaling $600.  The foundation merged with the West Bend Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1972 and COLUMNS was born.  That year they distributed $16,550 in scholarships. 

Annually COLUMNS awards over $200,000 in scholarships. COLUMNS provides both academic and technical scholarships to graduates of West Bend East and West Bend West High Schools as they advance their education.

There are two types of scholarships:

• COLUMNS Scholarships and COLUMNS-administered Scholarships.
• COLUMNS administers scholarships for individuals, organizations, and other foundations.

Members of the COLUMNS scholarship committee interview scholarship applicants in March of the year.  Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic standing; financial need; evidence of character, leadership, and determination; and meeting the specific requirements of the individual donor.

WB COLUMNS membership is open to anyone who believes in advancing the education of our children. 

• Members are expected to serve on one or more of the many COLUMNS committees to increase fund-raising resources.
• Members are required to sell a minimum of 5 of the distributed MSO Holiday Pops Concert tickets at a cost of $20.00 each, or make a donation of $100 or more.
• Members are expected to attend the Annual Meeting in November.
• Members are expected to act as liaisons to the community promoting COLUMNS and its ideals.

WB Columns Board of Directors