Build Dakota Scholarship

Build Dakota Scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, equipment, and tools for students accepted into eligible high-demand programs at Lake Area, Mitchell, Southeast, or Western Dakota Technical College. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals (green card holders may qualify if eligible for federal aid), complete the FAFSA annually, and not be in default on federal student loans; there is no minimum GPA to apply, but recipients must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA while enrolled. In exchange, recipients commit to three years of full-time work in South Dakota in their field of study after graduating, or the award converts to a repayable loan carrying 4% annual interest (pro-rated for partial work completed). Applications open January 1 and close March 31 each year, submitted through the chosen technical college.

Eligibility

DemographicsRequires a 3-year post-graduation work commitment in South Dakota in your field, or the award converts to a repayable loan at 4% interest.

Applying

Covers program costs only (tuition, fees, books, equipment, tools); does not cover housing or living expenses