Build Dakota Scholarship Fund Grant

Build Dakota Scholarship Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: South Dakota Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Summary

Overview

Note: Applying for the Build Dakota Scholarship involves 1) First applying for admissions at the technical college you’re interested in attending. 2) Then applying for the Build Dakota Scholarship for/through that technical college. South Dakota Community Foundation As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day. Build Dakota Scholarship Fund The Build Dakota Scholarship was created to help South Dakota train more skilled workers and fill the labor gap. It all began in 2015, when state leaders built a program that uses the state’s technical colleges to address South Dakota’s workforce gap. Build Dakota is a scholarship program created for skilled scholars entering high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges. And it allows you to earn your degree for free. Scholarship Details & Student Commitment If you receive a Build Dakota Scholarship, you’re one step closer to a successful future. And you’ll be able to get there faster and debt-free, as the scholarships will support tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in the eligible technical college programs. Accepting the scholarship means you agree to: Enroll full-time in a high-need industry program at a South Dakota technical college (Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College, or Western Dakota Technical College).Following graduation, work full-time in your field of study for a minimum of three years in South Dakota. Students who graduate from South Dakota technical colleges have a 98-100% placement rate.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Both in-state and out-of-state students are eligible for the scholarships. Scholars of all ages are welcome to apply. U.S. citizen or U.S. national (may be eligible if you have a green card and are eligible for federal financial aid). Must complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid). Technical, dual or concurrent credit courses taken in the career interest area.Career and technical education coursework completed in the career interest area. Work-based learning experiences, internships or work experience in the career interest area. A student must: Be accepted into a Build Dakota Scholarship eligible program at one of the four South Dakota technical colleges.Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national (Must meet citizenship eligibility requirements according to the federal financial aid regulations). Complete the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Please note that individuals at all income levels are encouraged to apply. The program does not specify a threshold of need; this is one component of the selection process.Applications are also reviewed for demonstrated work-readiness skills such as internships or work experiences, technical coursework, and industry certifications.Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average during college.