The Build Dakota scholarship program is actively visiting high schools across South Dakota to present students with a unique opportunity: a fully-funded technical education in high-demand fields. At a recent event at Dell Rapids High School, juniors and seniors learned about this alternative to a traditional four-year university, which aims to create a skilled workforce without the burden of student debt.
Key Takeaways
- Build Dakota provides full-ride scholarships for students attending South Dakota's technical colleges.
- The program focuses on training for high-demand careers to address the state's workforce needs.
- It offers a debt-free alternative to a four-year university degree, with partner companies often contributing to tuition.
- Presentations are being held at high schools statewide, with online webinars also available for broader access.
Connecting Students with In-Demand Careers
As high school students begin planning for their futures, the path is not always a straight line to a four-year university. Programs like Build Dakota are working to highlight other valuable options. The initiative partners with South Dakota's technical colleges to offer comprehensive scholarships that cover tuition, fees, books, and other required materials.
During a presentation at Dell Rapids High School, program representatives detailed how students can gain skills for careers that are crucial to the state's economy. The goal is to fill critical workforce gaps while providing young people with a secure and immediate career path after graduation.
What is Build Dakota?
Launched to address South Dakota's growing need for skilled professionals in technical fields, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund creates a pipeline of talent. By covering the complete cost of a student's education, it removes financial barriers and incentivizes graduates to work in the state for a minimum of three years after completing their program.
The Value of Technical Education
Deni Martin, the Program Manager for Build Dakota, emphasized the significant role that technical colleges play in the state's economic landscape. She explained that these institutions are vital resources for developing the skilled professionals that local industries depend on.
"Until I walked in the doors of our technical colleges, I didn’t understand the value that they brought to the workforce that we have here in South Dakota, and what a resource they are for everybody," Martin stated during the presentation.
The program not only promotes the scholarship but also works to change perceptions about technical careers. It highlights that these paths lead to stable, well-paying jobs that are essential for community growth and sustainability.
A Student's Perspective on a Debt-Free Future
For students in attendance, the presentation offered a clear and compelling alternative to accumulating student loans. The prospect of graduating with a degree and a job offer, free from debt, resonated strongly with many.
The Financial Impact
The primary appeal of the Build Dakota scholarship is its "full-ride" nature. This means students can focus entirely on their studies without the financial stress that accompanies higher education for many. This model also benefits employers, who gain dedicated, skilled workers committed to staying in South Dakota.
Drew Buresh, a junior at Dell Rapids High School, found the information particularly useful. He noted how the program benefits students long after they graduate by setting them on a solid financial footing.
"I learned mostly how beneficial Build Dakota is, not only for students, but also just how it helps you... when you become like an adult and go look for jobs," Buresh explained. "Companies will approach you and pay for your college and everything. You don’t have student debt or student loans."
Buresh added that the presentation clarified the opportunities available for himself and his friends, making the prospect of a technical career more tangible and attractive compared to other post-secondary options.
Statewide Outreach and Accessibility
To ensure that students across South Dakota have access to this information, the Build Dakota team is conducting a tour of schools throughout the state. Their outreach is a critical part of helping students make informed decisions about their future.
Recognizing that not every school can be visited in person, the program has also made its resources available online. Build Dakota hosts a series of webinars that provide the same detailed information, allowing students, parents, and educators from any location to learn about the scholarship opportunities.
- In-Person Visits: Direct presentations at high schools like Dell Rapids.
- Online Webinars: Virtual sessions for those unable to attend a live event.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with businesses that need skilled workers.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that the message of a debt-free, skills-based education reaches as many potential applicants as possible, ultimately strengthening South Dakota's future workforce one student at a time.
