WASBO’s Annual Elizabeth Kane Scholarship for Women School Facility Leaders

Application Deadline for 2026 Scholarship is February 3, 2026

School facilities play a crucial role in fostering environments where students, teachers, and communities thrive. Leadership in this field requires vision, dedication, and a unique ability to balance operational excellence with educational needs. Historically, however, women have been underrepresented in these pivotal leadership roles. WASBO's Annual Elizabeth Kane Scholarship for Women School Facility Leaders is designed to change that narrative. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize the vital contributions women bring to the profession and seeks to empower women with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. This annual scholarship is awarded to a woman looking to complete her Facility Manager Core Certification! The scholarship will be awarded at the upcoming Facilities Management Conference.

Since its inception, this scholarship has been named in memory of Elizabeth Kane, who served as a business manager for years before joining the Department of Public Instruction. While at DPI, Liz worked closely with WASBO and the Department of Public Instruction to shape the WASBO Facilities Master Certification and conference. She was part of the initial group (along with Jim Beckmann, Pat Finnemore, and Dale Zabel) to travel to Texas and bring this conference and certification back to Wisconsin. She made several trips to promote the Midwest Facilities Masters Conference and was the liaison between WASBO and DPI which led to recognition and certification from DPI. She received her Facility Manager Core Certification in 2009, the first graduating class.

Whether you are an emerging leader or advancing your career in facility management, this scholarship celebrates your commitment to shaping the future of education. Together, we can build not just better schools, but a stronger foundation for all learners!


APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Application Guidelines

Eligibility

  • When awarded the scholarship at the annual Facilities Management Conference, the participant is expected to attend the Facilities Management Conference, Spring Conference, Fall Conference, Midwest Facility Masters Conference within the year to ensure they complete the Core Certification within a year. Other conferences can be substituted if needed, but applicants must pledge to complete the program within 1.5 years.
  • Applicants must work for a public Wisconsin School District and have supervisory support from their superintendent.

Application Process

  • Apply online by February 3, 2026.
  • Applications are reviewed by a facility scholarship selection committee appointed by the WASBO Foundation President.
  • The scholarship is awarded at the first of the conference series that occurs after the application deadline. For 2026, this will be the 2026 Spring Conference.  
  • The scholarship is paid via reimbursement as the recipient works her way through the certification.

Selection Process

  • Preference will be given to candidates currently working in a public Wisconsin school district.

Scholarship Applications Shall Include

  • Completion to the following form by February 3, 2026.
  • Recent photograph (original, reprint on photo paper, or electronic photo emailed to Kristin Hauser at [email protected]) to be used for publicity and news release purposes. The photograph will not be used in the selection process and the photograph will not be returned.
  • Statement of financial aid (optional)
  • Letter of support from your superintendent | See an example

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