PIERRE, S.D. – The eighth cohort of Build Dakota Scholarship Fund students will begin classes this month, helping to fill the gap of essential workforce needs for South Dakota.
Build Dakota aims to support students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical colleges to fill the state’s technical career fields with skilled professionals. The scholarships cover tuition and fees, books, equipment, and other related program expenses for eligible programs within nine high-need industry areas at South Dakota’s four technical colleges.
In-state and out-of-state students of all ages are eligible to apply. Scholarship applicants must be accepted into their approved program of interest. Recipients of the scholarship must enroll full-time, complete their educational program on schedule, and commit to stay in South Dakota to work in their field of study for three years following graduation.
This year over 80% of scholars are backed by an industry partner, meaning these students are guaranteed a job upon completing their degree. Industry partners provide a match with scholarship dollars. In return, students commit to working for the industry partner for three years following graduation. With workforce recruitment challenges facing businesses across the state and nation, Build Dakota offers security and stability for businesses who invest in their workforce through the industry partner program.
Each technical college manages their own industry partner program, working with local businesses and economic development organizations to find future employment opportunities for Build Dakota scholars in high-need workforce areas. This cohort is supported by over $3.1 million in funding from industry partners across the state.
Build Dakota Scholarship winners from the Garretson area include Amber Hulscher (Medical Laboratory Technology, Lake Area Tech), Braxten Roozeboom (Diesel Technician, Lake Area Tech), Samantha Kruger (Medical Labratory Technician, Lake Area Tech), Emily Morgan (LPN, Southeast Tech), and Zachary Shellum (Diesel Technology, Southeast Tech).
Applications for the 2023-24 school year open in January 2023. To learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship visit BuildDakotaScholarships.com.
