Together We Thrive
At WCTA, staying connected means more than technology – it’s about people, partnerships and possibilities. From supporting local events to helping students and businesses grow, we take pride in investing in the communities we call home.
Donate Devices, Make a Difference
WCTA is proud to be a Cell Phones for Soldiers drop-off location. This non-profit provides free communication services and emergency support to active-duty military members and veterans. By donating your old devices, you’re helping service members stay connected with their loved ones.
We Accept:
Phones - all types
Tablets - iPads, Kindles, & other devices
MP3 Players - iPods & more
Chargers & Accessories
Please Note: We do not accept larger electronics such as laptops, printers, or desktop computers. Unsure about an item? Call us at 800-592-6105.
Drop off your devices at our main office during business hours and make a difference today.
Channel 2: Your Local Spotlight
Advertise it. Share it. Celebrate it on Channel 2.
Channel 2 is a local television channel provided by WCTA, reaching homes throughout northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. It’s the go-to place to share events, community happenings and celebrate moments that matter.
Channel 2 is your local spot to:
- Advertise sales, events, or specials for your business
- Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or other personal milestones
- List items for sale or share community announcements
Submitting your message is simple. Just send us your text or artwork and we’ll post it for you to reach homes across our service area.
Don’t have artwork ready? No problem. Our team can create an ad for you.
Giving Back to Our Community
From sponsoring local events and teams to volunteering and supporting causes, WCTA is proud to give back to the communities we serve.
Helping families in need across our communities through support for local food banks, including the Fertile Food Bank.
Partnering with the Aureon Grant Program to bring local non-profit projects to life, like preserving the historic Hotel Winifred in Northwood.
Opening doors for the next generation by sharing opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
College is a big investment, and WCTA is happy to help you discover scholarships that may make it more affordable. The list below connects you to organizations offering scholarships to our members. Students are encouraged to apply or share these resources with others who may benefit.
Scholarship deadlines and requirements vary, so be sure to review each one carefully. Click the links for applications and details, and if you have questions, reach out to your high school counselor or contact WCTA directly.
Aureon
The Aureon Scholarship Program is available to students pursuing a STEM related course of study and those residing in the Des Moines metro area or a home with service from an Iowa Independent Telecommunications Company (ITC) like WCTA.
Learn More
Foundation for Rural Service (FRS)
The FRS scholarship is available to the students of parents or guardians who are Cooperative Members. It should be noted that preference will be given to individuals expressing an interest to return to a rural community to work following graduation.
Learn More
Iowa Communications Alliance
The Iowa Communications Alliance is offering a scholarship opportunity for students. Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (WCTA) is a member of this organization made up of independent telecommunications companies in Iowa.
Learn More
Minnesota Telecom Alliance
The Minnesota Telecom Alliance scholarship program is available to Minnesota high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education, including opportunities for students interested in technology-related fields as well as general areas of study.
Learn More
SMART CONNECTED COMMUNITY
WCTA is recognized as a Smart Connected Community (SCC) provider by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, a national network of communities powered by innovative broadband providers. The program highlights rural broadband’s role in supporting economic development, education, healthcare, energy efficiency, and other critical initiatives.
To earn SCC recognition, WCTA met national standards for broadband availability and adoption, and demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and innovation. WCTA has exceeded these standards and is Gig Certified, meaning every community we serve is now celebrated as a Smart Connected Community, part of a national network of innovative towns.
What This Means for Your Community
Gig Certified With 100% Fiber
Attracts new businesses and families.
Remote Work-Friendly
Communities can appeal to professionals working from home.
Enhanced Schools
Faster, more efficient internet for teachers and students.
Expanded Opportunities
Residents enjoy education and economic benefits on par with highly connected regions.
Why It Matters
Boosts Property Values
Fiber broadband can increase home value by up to 3.1%.
Safer Connections
Fiber networks protect personal and business data.
Future-Ready
High-speed fiber meets growing bandwidth needs.WCTA REVOLVING LOAN FUND
A Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a gap financing measure primarily used for development and expansion of small businesses. It is a self-replenishing pool of money, utilizing interest and principal payments on old loans to issue new ones. While the majority of RLFs support local businesses, some target specific areas such as healthcare, minority business development, and environmental cleanup. WCTA created our RLF to improve the quality of life in rural areas by contributing to the long-term improvement in the economy, including job creation and retention, diversification of the economy, improving the health, safety, and/or medical care of rural residents.
Revolving Loan Fund Brochure
Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association and the USDA are equal opportunity providers, employers, and lenders.