Careers

The Oak Leaf Educational Foundation scholarship fund has been, and continues to be, funded by Club members, vendors, and other individuals or organizations.  In the past five years, the Foundation has awarded over $100,000, consisting of 50 scholarships to 37 employees.  Those 37 employees have worked a combined 116 seasons. There have been seven 2-time scholarship recipients, and two 3-time scholarship recipients.  Member support continues to grow, and the Scholarship Fund has shown to be a strong recruiting and retention tool for employees working his or her way through school.  Many employees have returned for another summer of work, in part, to seek one of the scholarships.

The Oak Leaf Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation, allowing for tax-deductible donations.  Wakonda members are encouraged to continue to help with this annual initiative.  Anyone wishing to donate can direct payment to “Oak Leaf Educational Foundation” and deliver it to the Wakonda Business office.  Wakonda members can also donate online through the Wakonda Club website or contact Wakonda directly and have a donation charged to their Wakonda account.

Throughout peak season Wakonda Club, like other private clubs, faces a unique staffing situation.  While Wakonda employs fulltime employees in year-round positions, staffing shortages often arise with seasonal positions such as service, pool, bag room, tennis, and grounds.  In an attempt at lowering these hurdles, the Oak Leaf Educational Foundation will continue to provide higher education scholarship monies to qualified Wakonda employees.

The Oak Leaf Educational Foundation continues its optimism about the Scholarship Fund providing great assistance in the hiring and retention of employees. For Wakonda, it is extremely beneficial to have our seasonal student employees return annually to continue their role as future leaders, while providing an exceptional member experience.

Oak Leaf Scholarship Quick Facts

• Formed in 2016
• Member Funded
• 50 scholarships have been awarded to 37 employees
• Those 37 employees have worked a combined 116 seasons
• We have awarded $100,000 in 5 years
• There have been seven 2-time scholarship winners
• There have been two 3-time scholarship winners

Considerations

• One season of work and/or a minimum number of hours worked
• Application
• Academic Performance
• Extra-Curricular/Community Service
• Work Performance
• Written Essay
• Personal Interview

Rheanne Kinney
General Manager/COO
 (515)285-4965 ext 256