I am from Oshkosh, WI currently living in Madison, WI.
Come along to Chapter 252 (Oshkosh) meetings next time you're home

I'm not sure if it will do your financial worries much good (although we did have a scholarship last year - I will ask if this is an ongoing scholarship) but you will meet plenty of friendly pilots & non-pilots alike. And you never know if something good may come out of it.

http://www.252.eaachapter.org/events.htm