July 14, 2025

WPPI Energy member utility invests in future leaders

Member Utilities

For years, Algoma High School students seeking to secure their local utility scholarship engaged in the same activity as the ones who graduated before them. An applicant submitted an essay. The best one was chosen.

Though over time Algoma Utility Clerk Sara Krouse noticed applicant numbers dwindling. There was less enthusiasm for the written work from students who took the time to submit it. This led her to a new idea. A way for students to learn about the real practice of paying for electricity as part of their newly required course.

Instead of being asked to submit an essay, 26 juniors and seniors at Algoma High School who enrolled in Personal Finance and Career Planning received a form with 18 questions and a sample bill from Algoma Utilities. The form requires students to identify different portions of the bill that an average customer would see.

“We want them to use this information in the future,” Krouse said. “If they learn how to read the bills now, they will be better prepared when they start paying their own bills.”

Krouse and Energy Services Manager Markie Bscherer began presenting to the class jointly about the program in 2024. Students who take the time to fill out and submit the questionnaire are given a $50 gift card.

“It’s meant to be easy,” Bscherer said. “We even encourage group work. The goal is to help students understand what those bills look like.”

Business education teacher Maree Baumann began her teaching career in 2008. For the last three years, that work has been in the Algoma district. Baumann said she was glad when personal finance became required, though she is disappointed it only lasts a semester rather than a full school year. The course helps students understand how to ensure they have a healthy credit score and make good financial decisions.

Baumann said students have never complained about having Krouse and Bscherer in their classroom.

“The kids love it,” she said. “They sit together, figure it out. I look forward to having them in my classroom every year.”

Krouse has seen how interacting with students has affected their understanding of life expenses. While attending an event weeks after their initial presentation to the class, Krouse spoke to a student who was curious about the average home water usage in Algoma.

“It was great to see that she was curious and looked at her family’s bill,” Krouse said. “I am sure that would have never happened prior to our presentation.”

Bauman said because students receive real money, she has been able to talk to them about their actual financial choices. They can see the real effect of whether they choose to spend or save the $50 once they complete the work.

“Because of Algoma Utilities staff, students are not only more informed on a topic they’ll have to navigate for the rest of their lives, they’re also engaged and asking questions now,” Baumann said. “I can only hope it continues forever.”

Photo: Business education teacher Maree Baumann, center, poses for a picture during a utility bill reading visit from Energy Services Manager Markie Bscherer, left, and Algoma Utility Clerk Sara Krouse in her classroom at Algoma High School.