South Dakota Big 5 Scholarships:
1.Build Dakota Scholarship - Link to Build Dakota Scholarship
Build Dakota is a scholarship program created for skilled scholars entering high-demand programs at South Dakota technical colleges — allowing South Dakotans to earn their degrees for free, and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to apply.
By applying for the Build Dakota Scholarship, you’re one step closer to a successful future – opening the door to get there faster and debt free, by supporting 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.
Following graduation, work full-time in your field of study for a minimum of three years in South Dakota.
2. Freedom Scholarship - Link to Freedom Scholarship
The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is South Dakota’s first public/private partnership for a need-based scholarship – now the state’s largest financial need-based scholarship – made possible by the generosity of First PREMIER bank / PREMIER Bankcard, the State of South Dakota under the leadership of former Governor Kristi Noem, Avera Health, and Sanford Health. Managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, this funding is in an endowment that will continue to provide scholarships in perpetuity.
Students interested in the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship should apply for admission through their respective college’s website and submit their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) information to their respective college(s). Students will be reviewed for eligibility once admitted and upon completing the FAFSA. There is no separate South Dakota Freedom Scholarship application to complete.
The Freedom Scholarship is available to students with unmet financial need as determined through their submission of the FAFSA in conjunction with the financial aid office at the university. In order to be eligible for the Freedom Scholarship, students must:
Maintain South Dakota residency for at least one year prior to scholarship application.
Attend an eligible institution.
Demonstrate financial need.
Maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 while enrolled at the eligible institution.
Be pursuing a baccalaureate degree.
Graduate in five years or less.
Commit in writing to live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation.
Acknowledge that any failure to meet these requirements will result in the conversion from a scholarship to an interest-bearing loan.
3. SD Opportunity Scholarship - Link to SD Opportunity Scholarship
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship allows South Dakota’s most academically accomplished high school graduates to receive up to $7,500 scholarship from any university, college, or technical school in South Dakota that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Find eligibility requirements and more by clicking the button below.
4. Dakota Corps Scholarship - Link to Dakota Corps Scholarship
The Dakota Corps Scholarship for students entering college in the coming year provides full tuition and generally applicable fees to selected qualified applicants seeking degrees that will set them up to work in a critical-need occupation following graduation.
To be eligible for the Dakota Corps Scholarship students must:
Have graduated from an accredited South Dakota high school with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or greater on a 4.0 scale. Home schooled students will be allowed to provide supplemental information to qualify if the information for this requirement is not available.
Have 27 ACT Composite or Superscore or greater (or the SAT equivalent).
Agree in writing to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical need occupation after graduation for as many years as the scholarship was received plus one year.
Apply for the Dakota Corps Scholarship for a school period that begins within one year of high school graduation, or within one year of release from active duty of an active component of the armed forces.
Be an incoming freshman at a participating South Dakota college as an undergraduate student in a program that will prepare the student to work in a critical need occupation
Be a U.S. citizen or national
5. Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship - Link to Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship
Established under Senate Bill 233 in 2013, the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship opens doors for students preparing to work in a critical need teaching area. Students who will be juniors or seniors in the upcoming academic year and who are accepted into an elementary or secondary education program at a participating South Dakota post-secondary institution are eligible to apply. Critical needs areas for the 2025-2026 academic year include:
Teaching K-12 Special Education
Teaching High School Math or Science
Teaching High School Career and Technical Education
Teaching Secondary Language Arts
Teaching Secondary World Language
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL)
Teaching K-12 Vocal or Instrumental Music
Application: AES Engineers Scholarship Application
Submit essay, no application
Details: Students must submit an essay of between 500 and 1000 words in answer to the following question:
When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?
Amount: $500
Deadline: October 8, 2025
Application: Voice Of Democracy Scholarship Contest Application
Details: Audio-essay with theme, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”
Amount: Local, State, & National Scholarships
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Application: Black Hills Angus Association Scholarship
Details: Must be actively involved with Angus cattle (Indicate if member of American Junior Angus Association).
Must submit an essay of 500-1000 words on the topic “How I See Myself Advancing the Beef Industry.”
Amount: $1500 (renewable)
Deadline: Novemeber 5, 2025
Application: Most Valuable Student Scholarship Application
Details: Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
Amount: Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
Deadline:
SD Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship
Application: SD Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Application
Details: South Dakota Farmers Union annually gives recognition to young people who commit to a South Dakota college, university or technical institute, and whose parents are current members of Farmers Union.
Amount: *
Deadline: November 14, 2025 by 8 a.m.
SD Association of Cooperatives Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: SDAC is awarding two $1,000 scholarships to second-year higher-education students who are members or whose parents/guardians are members of a SDAC member cooperative. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a degree related to a career at a cooperative. Madison Farmers Elevator is a member of SDAC.
Amount: 2 - $1,000
Deadline:
Application: Hagan Scholarship Application
Details: The Hagan Scholarship will provide each recipient with the opportunity to obtain a four-year college education and graduate debt-free. The scholarship will help pay the unmet financial need of the recipient, up to $6,000 each semester. Free Workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum.
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: Any high school senior or student receiving an accredited high school diploma or GED, who plans to attend an institution of higher learning, is a residnet of SD, and is the child or grandchild of aUS Military Veteran is eligible. This includes legally adopted children. The term "Veteran" refers to former and current members of the United States Armed Forces, including members of National Guard.
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Local scholarship - The Roger Seeley Citizenship Award Scholarship.
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office
Details:
Roger Seeley spent his life serving customers and community in the Chester area. He demonstrated this commitment by putting others first, offering himself and anything he had to others who needed help or had work that had to be done. Although Roger left school after Eighth Grade to go to work full time in his parents’ business, he understood the need in today’s society for training and education beyond high school. This award scholarship has been established to recognize students who embody the qualities he believed mattered most: commitment to community, humility, and service.
A commitment to community and school through volunteerism, organization leadership, and a generous spirit;
Humility in achievement and friendship to everyone.
Amount: *
Deadline: December 8, 2025
Application: Pages - What is Dakota Corps? (sdbor.edu)
Details: Full scholarship paid by the scholarship and the institution.
Teacher - K-12
Special Education
Foreign Language
Vocal or Instrumental Music
English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL)
Teacher - Secondary
Math
Science
Career and Technical Education
Language Arts
Accountant / Auditor
Engineer (all fields EXCEPT mining, chemical, biomedical, and computer hardware)
Information Technology
Registered Nurse
Amount: The intent of the program is that the recipients do not pay anything towards tuition and generally applicable fees. The scholarships are in an amount approximately equal to:
The maximum tuition and generally-applicable fees for 16 undergraduate credit hours (per fall and spring semester) at an institution of higher education under the control of the South Dakota Board of Regents for recipients attending a public four-year college, or
The same amount that is paid for a public four-year college if the student is attending a private nonprofit college. Remaining tuition and generally applicable fees must be covered by the participating nonprofit college through institutional scholarship or tuition waiver.
An amount determined on an individual basis for technical college recipients that will never exceed the maximum tuition and generally applicable fees for sixteen (16) undergraduate credit hours per semester for a public college.
The maximum tuition and generally-applicable fees for a full-time undergraduate student at a tribal college if the recipient is attending a tribal college.
Not all eligible applicants will be selected for a scholarship. From the total pool of applicants, a limited number of recipients will be selected. Also, some South Dakota colleges may limit the number of scholarship recipients they accept, or not participate at all.
All applicants will be notified following the Board's decision.
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Application: Burger King Scholarship Application
Details: BURGER KING® employees, their dependent children, spouses.
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Be active in their school, community and/or have work experience.
Amount: These scholarships carry awards of either $5,000 per year renewable for up to three additional years if a student is selected as a National Merit Scholar or $2,500 per year renewable for up to three additional years if the student is selected as a BNSF Scholarship winner.
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Now Open - SD Community Foundation Scholarships (can find multiple scholarships available) (Due March 15th)
Build Dakota Opens January 1st - you must first be accepted into your program prior to applying.
Application: SD JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship or Mrs. Dossett's office
Details: All three winning applications will be forwarded to the US JCI Senate Foundation scholarship program for further judging. Foundation scholarship awards are up to $1500.00.
Amount: 1st Place - $500, 2nd Place $300, 3rd Place - $200
Deadline: January 12, 2026
Application: America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship Application
Details: Whether you are pursuing a trade school, vocational certificate or a two-year or four-year degree, don’t miss your chance to apply for a National FFA Scholarship to help with your next steps in education.
Amount: Various scholarships
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application: Application
Details:
Be between the ages of 18 to 26 years old at any time during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Be enrolled, or plan to enroll, full-time or part-time at a not-for-profit college or university within the U.S. during the 2025-26 academic year.
Identify as neurodivergent, including one or more challenges related to learning such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Processing Disorders, Autism, or similar learning disabilities.
Amount: 25 Scholarships ($2,500 for 4-year university; $1,000 for 2-year technical college)
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application: CHS Scholarship Applications
Details: Two different scholarships offered; check eligibility of each
Amount: (4) $2,500 scholarships and (1) $2,500 scholarship (employee/producer board member students)
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Sioux Valley Energy Scholarship Program
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office OR here - Online Application
Details: Must be a son or daughter of a Sioux Valley Energy member
Amount: Sioux Valley Energy is offering $20,000 worth of scholarships this year to eligible graduating high school seniors or first-time attendees at an institution of higher education.
Deadline: January 16, 2026 - applications that are hand delivered must be in one of the SVE offices no later than 4:30pm; mailed application must be postmarked by January 16th.
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office OR here - Power Line Scholarship Application
Details: Must be child or dependent of Sioux Valley Energy member
Essay: Describe why you are interested in becoming a power line worker
Amount: TBD*
Deadline: January 16, 2025 - applications that are hand delivered must be in one of the SVE offices no later than 4:30pm; mailed application must be postmarked by January 16th.
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office OR SD Engineering Society Scholarship Application
Details: Enrolling at SDSU or SDSMT; leadership skills; Grades & ACT Scores
Amount: $2,000 Engineering Scholarships for 2025
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Application: DAR Scholarship Application
Details: Each year the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 11:59pm
Madison Farmers Elevator Scholarship
Application: Madison Farmers Elevator Scholarship Application
Details: Parent or legal guardian is member of Madison Farmers Elevator Company and have a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Application: Elks.org :: Legacy Scholarship Awards
Details: For the 2023 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2020, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2020, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2023. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 am Pacific Time
Application: POET Scholarships - POET
Details: Any individual who will be enrolled in a full-time, undergraduate degree program at a two-year or four-year university, college or technical school located in any state within the United States of America during the upcoming academic year
No specific degree program requirements.
No minimum GPA.
Answer 3 essay questions.
OPTIONAL: If you have a parent, spouse, sibling, aunt/uncle or grandparent who works at POET, you are eligible for the internal scholarship award. If you would like to be considered for the internal scholarship.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 13, 2026
Application: FFA Scholarship Application
Details: The South Dakota FFA Scholarship Application is for all of the following scholarships. One application per student should be submitted for consideration. The South Dakota FFA Scholarship application can be found at www.sdaged.org.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 14, 2026
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office OR Scholarships - Kingbrook Rural Water System, Inc.
Details: Student's family must be a member of Kingbrook Rural Water System
Seniors and full0time undergraduate college students are eligible
Plan to attend a college, university, or technical college in South Dakota
Amount: Five $500 grants will be awarded.
Deadline: February 13, 2026
Application: Ty Eschenbaum Foundation Scholarship
Details:
Scholarship open to applicants who are youth cancer survivors or who are currently battling with cancer.
Amount: up to $25,000 of scholarships will be awarded
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Application: American Legion Educational Scholarship
Details:
Scholarships are open, as funds are available, to wartime veterans, their children, and their grandchildren, who are legal residents of South Dakota.
Amount: a maximum of $2,500 per person, will be granted, on a basis of need, as long as funds are available
Deadline: February 15, 2026 at 11:59PM - sent to American Legion Educational Scholarship Committee, PO Box 67, Watertown, SD 57201
Ramia Boersma Scholarship
Application: Ramia Boersma Scholarship Application
Details: Be the daughter/son or granddaughter/grandson of an active member or an SDEA-Retired member.
Amount: 3 - $750
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Gordon Horgen Scholarship Application
Application: Gordon Horgen Scholarship Application
Details: The scholarships are open to Native American high school seniors or college sophomores who are planning on going into the teaching profession.
Amount: 4 - $750
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Application: Agtegra Scholarship
Details: Must plan to or attend a 2 or 4 year post secondary institution in South Dakota or North Dakota; must plan to pursue an agricultural degree/program or career field after graduation.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February 27, 2026
Application: ITC and Dean Scholarship
Details:
Local
Each year, ITC awards a total of twenty-three, $600 scholarships to high school seniors. Scholarships are awarded to one graduating senior from each of the 22 school districts, plus one open enrollment student in the ITC service area.
Parents/guardians must maintain at least one of ITC services.
Plan to attend post-secondary institution in South Dakota or Minnesota.
Amount: $700 scholarship to one Chester senior.
Deadline: February 27, 2026 - RETURN TO Mrs. Dossett
NIAAA Scholarship Essay Application
Application: Mrs. Eppard Office
Details:
Applicant must have achieved at least two (2) of the following:
(A) minimum of B+ average;
(B) Ranked in the top 25% of class;
(C) ACT score of 24 or an SAT score of 1100 (Math, Reading and Writing)
Applicant must have participated in two sports for at least two years in each sport
Applicant must have earned at least one varsity letter in each of two sports
Applicant must complete attached scholar/essay application
Applicant must have a letter of recommendation from the high school athletic administrator/director
School athletic director must be an NIAAA member and a member of their respective state athletic administrators association
The principal or athletic director must sign the application to insure that the academic information submitted is accurate
Amount:
South Dakota Winners - one male and one female will each receive a $500 scholarship and a plaque recognizing them as state winners
NIAAA Section Winners - one male and one female will each receive a $1,500 scholarship and a plaque recognizing them as section winners
National Winners one male and one female will each receive a $2,500 scholarship and a glass etching recognizing them as national winners
Deadline: February 28, 2026 to Mrs. Eppard
Application: Annis I. Fowler/Kaden Scholarship
Details: $1,000
First-time entering freshman at BHSU, DSU, NSU or USD in 2023
Intent to major in Elementary Education
Amount: $1000
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Application: Student of Integrity Application
Details: Not based on need or GPA; recognizes ethical behavior and personal integrity; demonstrate humility, courage, compassion, respect.
Amount: 3- $2,000 scholarships to students in South Dakota.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Application: Mrs. Eppard or Mrs. Dossett
Details:
All students applying to receive this scholarship award are required to fully complete all sections of this application packet. All questions must be answered and essay completed.
Amount:
Deadline: February 28, 2025 - RETURN TO Mrs. Eppard
Application: Serving Others Scholarship Application
Details: The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota believe in being authentic. We believe in doing the right thing, regardless of the outcome. Most importantly, we believe that fulfillment comes from serving others. Our members take pride in our communities and those we insure.
Amount: 1st - $10,000; 2nd - $5,000; 3rd and 4th - $2,500
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Application: Michael J. Entringer Scholarship
Details:
Participation in high school sports for 2+ years, exhibiting good sportsmanship.
Includes athletes, cheerleaders, student managers, statisticians.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
Details: Strong commitment to complete a bachelor degree.
Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income).
Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
GPA 2.0+.
Must be a Junior
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: http://www.sdlegionaux.org/scholarships/
Details: Must have been member of American Legion Auxiliary for past 3 years and current Senior member
500-word (maximum) essay, "America, We Remember."
3 letters of recommendation.
Judged on character (20%), Americanism (20%), leadership (20%), basis of need (40%).
Amount: $300
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: http://www.sdlegionaux.org/scholarships/
Details:
Child or grandchild of veteran or Auxiliary member
Financially unable to attend college or technical institute
Essay
Amount: two $500 scholarship for a college/university and two $500 scholarship for technical institutions
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: http://www.sdlegionaux.org/scholarships/
Details: Technical institute or college/university
Applicant must have been a member of the South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary for the past three years and a current senior member this year.
Essay
Amount: $300
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: http://www.sdlegionaux.org/scholarships/
Details: Candidates shall be Junior members of the South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary, and said Junior to have held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary for the past three years and must now hold a Junior membership card for the current year, or have turned 18 years of age in her Senior year of school.
Amount: 10 - $300 each
Deadline: March 1, 2026
American Legion Auxiliary - Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship
Application: Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship
Details: Must be a member of the Auxiliary for three consecutive years and hold a current paid membership card and continue her membership during the four-year scholarship period.
Amount: 10 scholarships - $2,500
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: American Legion Scholarships
Details: Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren of veterans who served during eligibility dates for the American Legion (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and Lebanon, Panama, Persian Gulf to present); Must complete 50 hours of volunteer service during high school; Judged on character/leadership (25%), essay/application (25%), financial need (25%), academic achievement (25%).
Amount: 15 Scholarships - $5,000 each
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: http://www.sdlegionaux.org/scholarships/
Details: Junior members of Auxiliary for past 3 years; GPA of 3.0+; Judging based on character (30%), essay/application (30%), academic achievement (40%)
Amount: 5 - $5,000 each
Deadline: March 1, 2026
South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship
Application: Farm Bureau Scholarship Application
Details: Applicant, applicant’s parents or guardians must be a current member of South Dakota Farm Bureau and must have been a member for 2 years.
Amount: TBD*
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Application: Dacotah Bank Scholarship Application
Details:
Children of employees are not eligible for the above scholarships; however, if the Dacotah Bank scholarship application is completed in entirety, children of an employee will automatically receive a $500 scholarship. Children of employee must maintain at least of a 3.0 GPA to qualify.
Amount:
1 - $10,000 Scholarship
29 - $2,000 Scholarship
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Application: https://www.firstdakota.com/scholarships
Details:
Student must have a First Dakota National Bank checking account and demonstrate satisfactory account maintenance.
Point system used to score the applications:
Leadership and community service.
Essay.
Scholastic achievement.
Financial responsibility.
Amount: Awarding up to $20,000 in scholarships
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
Applicant requirements
Current Baltic, Chester Area, Dell Rapids, Dell Rapids St. Mary, Garretson, or Tri-Valley High School senior (One scholarship will be awarded to a senior from each school)
Seniors anticipating completion of a high school diploma
Seniors who plan to pursue a degree at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or tech school
Amount: $750
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: Daktronics will award a $1000 scholarship to the top 5 Gold Medal All-State Team winners who are majoring in a preferred major AS IDENTIFIED BY DAKTRONICS and attending an in-state college. The scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university the recipient is attending. To receive the scholarship, students must attend a South Dakota college or university. In the event that one of the top 5 Gold Medal All-State Team member is attending college outside of South Dakota, that scholarship will be awarded to the highest ranking member of the Gold Medal First All-State Team or Silver Medal Second All-State Team. Bronze Medal Third All-State Team members will be awarded scholarships in order of ranking should members of the Gold and Silver team members declare they are attending an out-of-state college.
PLEASE NOTE that all students will be judged for Academic All-State regardless of in or out of state college and major; that the $1000 Scholarship portion utilizes the in state and preferred majors component. A student can be awarded Academic All-State and not qualify for the $1000 scholarship.
Deadline: TBD
Application: https://www.chamberofmadisonsd.com/scholarships/
Details: Must be attending a post-secondary education institution and pursuing a degree with ANY RELATION to agriculture
Amount: $750
Deadline: March 13, 2026
SD Firefighters Association Scholarship
Application: SD Firefighters Association Scholarship Application
Details:
Child of any member (living, deceased or retired) of a fire department in South Dakota or an active member of a junior fire department in South Dakota.
Sponsored by a fire department that has 100% membership in the SD Firefighters Association for the current year.
May also be sponsored by a member of the SD Firefighters Auxiliary, a local fire department auxiliary or a member of the Dear Old Timers.
**Chester does not have a local Firefighters Auxiliary, but anyone who is a member of the State Auxiliary, would qualify as an endorsement.
Any university, college or technical college.
Preference will be given to those who are obtaining a fire science or emergency service degree.
Amount: 2- $1,000
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Cogley-Buffington Certified Property and Casualty Underwriters Fund, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Graduating from SD high school.
3.5+ GPA.
Participate in extra-curricular and community activities.
Demonstrate interest in and understanding of role of business in American society,
Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Students in SD counties, including Lake, Minnehaha, and Moody,
High academic achievement.
Plan to attend 4-year college or university in SD.
Children and immediate family of firm's partners are not eligible.
Fred and Marie Christopherson Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
$3,000.
Plan to attend a 4-year college or university in SD.
3.9+ GPA.
28+ ACT.
Joe Foss "An American Hero" Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Plan to attend technical institute or college/university.
3.5+ GPA.
21+ ACT.
Demonstrate characteristics of an American patriot.
Available to seniors from SD high schools.
Junior League of Sioux Falls Scholarship
Female; reside in Minnehaha or Lincoln counties
Plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, vocational or technical school
Minimum ACT scores of 23
Demonstrate financial need
Kimberly Rose Means - Native American Council of Tribes Scholarship
High school seniors who are enrolled members of a South Dakota Native American tribe or South Dakota tribal members who are returning to school after an absence
Norman W. Ranschau Memorial Scholarship
Must plan to pursue a degree in an agricultural-related field
Applicants must be first-time students with financial need who have participated in agricultural extra-curricular activities
Osmann Family Native American Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Enrolled member of a Native American tribe.
Attend college or technical institute in SD.
2.5+ GPA.
Participated in school or community activities.
Ralph and Doris Wallin Scholarship
Must be residents of Minnehaha County
Enrolling in an accredited vocational or technical institution in South Dakota
Rush Family Scholarship
Children of full time employees of North American Truck & Trailer, Inc.
Must plan to pursue a degree in business or teaching or a degree in fields related to transportation
Siouxland Chapter CFMA Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
$500.
Construction Financial Management Association.
Pursue an academic or technical degree in construction at a school within 100-mile radius of Sioux Falls.
Sunrise Sertoma and Minnehaha Sertoma Club Scholarships
Open to graduating seniors who have been served by the South Dakota School for the Deaf
Trent Area Scholarship, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Graduating seniors who live in the Trent area. Area bounded on the south by Moody County line, on the north by SD Highway 34, on the east by the South Dakota state line, and on the west by the Colman Road, also known as 470th Avenue.
Application: CFC Agricultural Scholarship
Details:
We offer $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors whose parents are current producer members of the coop. The student applying should be enrolled in a South Dakota post-secondary education school and must be pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship is based on scholastic achievement, leadership in agriculture, and perceived ability to contribute to agriculture in the future.
Amount ; $1,000
Deadline: March 15, 2026
PREMIER Community Scholarship (Sioux Falls, Madison, Watertown and surrounding areas)
Application: Community Scholarship Application
Details:
Parent or student must have a deposit account with First PREMIER Bank
Plan to attend SD college or university
Leadership and community service (20 points)
Character (20 points)
Scholarship (10 points)
Amount: 16 - $2,000 scholarship
Deadline: TBD
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
South Dakota resident
A Senior going into their first year of post-secondary educaon in South Dakota
Financial Need
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: Application must be received by March 13, 2026
First Bank & Trust Scholarship
Application: First Bank & Trust Scholarship
Details:
Each of our communities of (Madison) participates but the number of scholarships varies.
Employees and members of the Board of Directors of First Bank & Trust, its affiliates, and the immediate families and persons living in the households of each of these individuals, whether related or not, are not eligible.
Be a First Bank & Trust checking or savings account holder.
Amount: $1,000 scholarships for students attending an accredited college, university, or technical school in the fall
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: Senior, Chester Student, Must be used for any Technical Institute or College
Amount: 5 - $500
Deadline: TBD
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office
Details: Local Scholarship
Plan to attend an accredited college or vocational technical school.
Current member of FFA.
Pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Agriculture related field.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: TBD
Application: https://www.eastriverfcu.com/Documents/ERFCU-scholarship-application-2023.aspx
Details:
Member in good standing of the credit union.
GPA 2.0+.
Amount: 6 - $1,000 scholarships will be given
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Local scholarship - Chester American Legion Auxiliary Junior Member Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
American Legion Auxiliary Junior Member for at least 3 years.
Essay on flag etiquette.
Open to all senior girls if there are no Chester Junior Members.
Amount: TBD
Deadline: *
Application: https://www.builddakotascholarships.com/
Details:
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).
Demonstrating aptitude through industry-recognized certifications such as the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is recommended, but not required.
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.
Amount: Full-Scholarship to Technical College for qualifying programs
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Ally Dakota Development Scholarship
Application: Mrs Dossett's Office
Details:
Be accepted into a business/finance program at an accredited, post-secondary institution in South Dakota
Amount: 5x - $1,000 Scholarships
Deadline: TBD
SD Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation
Application: SDAPHCC Application
Details: Applicants must be a high school senior or college freshman and sponsored by a SDAPHCC member. Money can be applied towards college or technical school tuition.
Amount: 2 - $1,000
Deadline: April 1, 2026
USA Softball South Dakota Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: Awarded to high school seniors that have participated in the softball program. These participants or their parent must have been involved in the USA softball of South Dakota sanctioned programs for at least 3 years as a player, coach, umpire, USA Softball of South Dakota official, or in an official capacity of a USA Softball of South Dakota sanctioned team or league.
Amount: Applicants must be 19 years of age or younger. You must be a graduating senior from an accredited high school during the year of application. This scholarship may also be granted to a family member of USA Softball of South Dakota member who is physically challenged as determined by the American Disabilities Act passed on July 25, 1990.
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Application: SDACTE Scholarship
Details: High School Graduates: If you're a high school graduate in 2024 and planning to pursue a career and technical education program, you're eligible to apply. Individuals must be attending a South Dakota Technical Institute or University in any CTE related fields, will be full time for the 2024 – 2025 school year, and demonstrate scholastic achievement.
Amount: TBD*
Deadline: TBD
LOCAL - Sisterhood in Service Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
Female student from Lake County, SD.
Active participation in school and community activities.
A minimum GPA of 3.0.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: TBD
SD Association of Towns and Townships scholarship
Application: Towns and Townships Applicaiton
Details: Senior high school students who reside in South Dakota, are currently attending a South Dakota public, private, parochial high school or a home school program, and lives in a town or township that is a current member of SDATAT. (A membership list is available on the sdtownships.com website) or contact your local town/ township board.
Amount: 1 - $1,000 & 1 - $500
Deadline: April 1, 2026
National Farmers Union Foundation Stanley Moore and Hubert K. and JoAnn Seymour Scholarships
Application: National Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Application
Details: Open to Farmers Union members and their children. High school seniors, college students or nontraditional students seeking funding to attend a two -- or four -- year accredited college or university or technical school for any area of study.
Typed essay on the topic: Significance of rural values in America and on your life.
Possible phone interview with finalists.
Award Criteria: Recipients will be selected based on academic records, social and community activities and typed essay describing personal and professional goals, and involvement with Farmers Union.
Amount: Several $1,500 scholarships will be awarded with money to be used for tuition and books.
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
The Day County Coyote Hunt Scholarship Program has been established to award scholarships to immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling) of a current or former SD National Guard soldier & desire to further their education.
Applicants must be 19 years of age or younger. You must be a graduating senior from an accredited high school during the year of application. This scholarship may also be granted to a family member of a SD National Guard soldier who is physically challenged as determined by the American Disabilities Act passed on July 25, 1990.
Scholarships must be used in one of the following types of accredited post-high school institutions: College, University or Vocational Technical School. Scholarships will be paid directly to the school.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Local scholarship: JoLynn Wolf Memorial Scholarship
Application:
Details: This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of JoLynn Wolf. JoLynn was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend who was known as a calm, caring voice in times of struggle—someone her friends and family could lean on and would help keep them grounded. In her memory, a scholarship will be awarded to one Chester Area senior. Applicants must compose an essay of no more than 500 words describing the “rock in their lives.” Students must NOT use their own names in the essay and must not refer to the subject of the essay by anything other than a first name or title. i.e. “Helen is a rock in my life,” or “My aunt resembles a rock by which I stay grounded.”
The scholarship application must contain TWO separate documents:
A cover page that includes the student’s name and future plans.
The essay on the prompt described above. (Any essays with names on them will be discarded.)
Amount: $500
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Local scholarship - Chester Centennial Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office
Details: Scholarship(s) will be awarded to at least one senior who will be attending a two- or four-year technical school, college, or university in South Dakota. These students also have a desire to be a leader in the community he or she lives in.
Amount: TBD*
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Local scholarship - Chester Education Association Scholarship
Application:
Details: The Chester Education Association Scholarship will be awarded to at least one senior who is seeking a four-year degree in the education field. This scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who embodies the characteristics and enthusiasm of an educator.
Amount: TBD*
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Local scholarship - Russell Mendel Public Service Award
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
For over a decade, Russell Mendel has organized an annual trip for FCA students to serve at the Banquet in Sioux Falls. Through the years, Russ has taught so many young men and women what it means to serve others. In his honor, an annual scholarship is presented to a Chester Area High School graduating senior who best carries forward the spirit of service to others as exemplified by Russ. Amount: $250.
Senior planning to attend a two or four-year post-secondary school.
Community service events the student participated in throughout high school as well as a 500 – 1,000-word essay addressing what the student has learned from his or her own experience in community service and what it means to serve others.
Amount: $500
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: Planning to attend a technical college in South Dakota
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 5, 2025
Local scholarship: Chester American Legion Post 136 Scholarship
Application:
Details:
Veteran ancestor (preference given)
Community service
The American Legion Preamble is an oath we recite at the beginning of each meeting. Every year, we select a phrase from the Preamble as the theme for the scholarship. Complete a five-hundred word essay on how you “make right the master of might.”
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 11, 2025
South Dakota Retailers Association Jerry Wheeler Scholarship Program
Application: https://www.sdra.org/scholarships.html
Details: To be eligible, the applicant must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a retail-related course of study at a technical school, college or university, or other trade schools in the fall of the application year. Students must meet one of these requirements: have graduated from a South Dakota high school; or have earned a GED in South Dakota; or plan to attend post-secondary school in South Dakota.
Amount: Up to 5- $2,000-2,700 scholarships
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Local scholarship - Edna Hess Memorial Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: The Edna Hess Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to seniors who are pursuing a degree in education. This scholarship is given in memory of Edna Hess, who taught at a country school in the 1930s. Her selfless acts, determination, and can-do spirit live on through her family and this scholarship.
Amount: TBD
Deadline: April 16, 2025
Local scholarship - Vision of Our Future Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: It is interesting to say the least that this scholarship has no grading factor other than an essay, which the writing style or fashion, will not be included in the grade. The people that get ahead in life have the drive and self determination to challenge the system and themselves and achieve greater things than we thought possible. With this idea in mind, this scholarship was made to challenge the seniors to think far into the future and come up with something that will be there. This scholarship is awarded to the applicant who is not afraid to share their vision and is not limiting their ideas to any boundaries.
Amount: TBD
Deadline: April 16, 2025
Local scholarship - Next Step Scholarship
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: The Next Step Scholarship is open to any senior who meets one of these requirements:
Attending a technical college, trade school, academy (military, fire, police, etc.), or managerial program.
OR
Currently enlisted or joining the military, guard, active or reserves.
Amount: TBD
Deadline: April 16, 2025
Application: Voyage Federal Credit Scholarship
Details: Local scholarship; Must have been part of Yearbook for 3 years
Amount: 3 - $1,000
Deadline: April 18, 2025
L.G. Everist, Inc. Scholarship, Sioux Falls
Application: https://www.lgeverist.com/pdf/scholarshipInfo.pdf
Details:
Interest in construction, maintenance, heavy equipment field.
Interest in mechanical/technical training.
Willing to attend 2 years of training at technical institute.
Possible work internship at LGE during school.
Amount: $1,000 scholarship
Deadline: Entries will be accepted throughout the year. • All entries will be reviewed on or before August 1st of each year and awarded shortly after.
ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
Application: ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship Application
Details:
The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to high school seniors, and parents of students, who are:
Legal U.S. residents; residents of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin
Planning to attend, physically or virtually, an eligible college the fall following the registration dates
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Application: Animal Health Care Scholarship
Amount: Varying Amount
Details: As part of our mission to be a safe haven and human voice for animals in need, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (SFAHS) is awarding up to $5,000 in scholarships per school term/year to students pursuing a degree or other animal care certification. The amount, program qualification, and number of scholarships awarded during the fall and spring term will be at the sole discretion of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Board of Directors.
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Application: Mrs. Dossett Office
Details: Local scholarship; Must have been part of Yearbook for 3 years
Amount: TBD*
Deadline:
Application: Samsung American Legion Scholarship (Boys) Application
Details: Scholarship applications are limited to students between their junior and senior years of high school who attend the current session of either an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program and are a direct descendant - i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. - or a legally adopted child of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
Amount: Samsung scholarships may be used for undergraduate studies and applied toward tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community service.
Ten National Scholars receive $10,000 each (two from each region)
Ten National Runners-Up receive $5,000 each (two from each region)
Remaining Department finalists receive $1,250 each guaranteed
Deadline: complete and submit their online application prior to 11:59 (local time) of Day 1 of their respective American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program.
Boys State - May 27th
Girls State - June 3rd
Application: Application
Details:
The applicant must be a graduating high school senior or must be enrolled in an accredited institution (junior college, trade school, or four-year college/university) for the fall term in which the scholarship is to be awarded.
The applicant must be an NJAA member.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Postmarked by May 1, 2025
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details:
Attending any SD public college or university, B average
Amount: Award amounts vary from year to year; past awards have exceeded $1,000 and are estimated to be no less than $300; multiple awards are issued
Deadline: Postmarked by June 1, 2025
Application: Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Details: Essay: Describe your educational career and life goals. Explain your plan for achieving these goals. Include your degree/major, why you selected it, and how this degree/major will help you achieve your goals.
Amount: $1000
Deadline: June 10, 2026
Application: Mrs. Dossett's Office
Details: The student must have a declared major in the broad field of Forestry (Forest Resource Management, Urban Forestry, Agroforestry, Biology with Forestry Emphasis, etc.). Provide transcripts or other documentation of a declared major in the broad field of forestry. Incoming students must provide documentation of the declared major and acceptance at a college, university, or technical school.
Amount: (amount available is $2,000)
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Application: https://www.legion.org/documents/baseball/baseball_scholarship.pdf
Details: Must have graduated from high school, but on a current roster filed with National Headquarters, be part of a team affiliated with an American Legion post. Fill out application and send to SD American Legion Headquarters, PO Box 67, Watertown SD 57201.
Amount: $500 State Winner
Deadline: July 15, 2025
Send copy of completed application to SD American Legion Headquarters, PO Box 67, Watertown, SD 57201