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DHS Scholarships & College/Career Readiness

Scholarships

Helpful Documents

25-26 Estimated Costs of SD Post-Secondary Institutions

August Deadlines

Must be attending a two-year school for a trade: construction and building, manufacturing, industrial, HVAC, renewable energy, transportation and mechanics, agriculture, IT, healthcare, cosmetology and culinary arts. Awarded four times per year.

September Deadlines

Coca-Cola Scholarship August 1 - September 30

Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship (Q#3) September 30

Awards $2,500 quarterly.

October Deadlines

AES Engineer Scholarship October 8

Watertown Winter Farm Show October 9

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger October 20

Must be of Hispanic or Latino descent. Minimum 3.0 GPA.

BigIdeaSD October 28

Students must create and submit a business plan for consideration. Online accounts must be created by October 21 if intending to apply. See Mrs. Coats for details!

VFW Voice of Democracy October 31

Record an audio essay over the theme of "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Mike Rowe Work Ethic October 31

November Deadlines

Regeneron Science Talent Search November 5

Students must submit original research in a critically important scientific field of study.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation November 11

Minimum 3.75 GPA, submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam test scores (no minimum), family gross income up to $95,000.

Elks Most Valuable Student November 12

Farmer's Union Scholarship November 14

Must be a Farmer's Union member to apply.

USD Freshmen Scholarship November 15

Open to high school seniors planning to attend the University of South Dakota in the fall. Priority deadline is November 15; final deadline is December 1.

Driver Education Initiative Scholarship November 30

Open to currently enrolled full-time high school seniors. Applicants must submit an essay demonstrating their knowledge of safe driving.

December Deadlines

DAR Scholarship for Military Descendants December 1

Must be a child or grandchild of a United States military veteran.

Hagen Scholarship Foundation September 1 - December 1

Dakota Corps November 1 - December 15

SD Critical Needs Teaching Scholarship November 1 - December 15

Provides financial assistance to South Dakota high school graduates who attend an eligible higher education institution in South Dakota and promise to work in a critical teaching need occupation in South Dakota for five years after graduating from a participating postsecondary institution.

SD Plumbing and Heating Assoc December 31

Open to students majoring in Construction Management, Construction Related Engineering, Business Management, or attending a technical school for Plumbing or HVAC. Candidates must be sponsored by a member of the SDAPHCC.

Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship (Q#4) December 31

Awards $2,500 quarterly.

January Deadlines

Dakotaland FCU January

National FFA Organization November 1 - January 15

SD Assoc of Environmental Professionals January 15

Applicants should desire a career in a trade supportive to the protection and enhancement of our natural resources, environment, and/or related fields. Related fields include but are not limited to business administration, accounting, biology, chemistry, trucking, geology, hydrology, engineering, auto mechanics, computer science, education, heating/ventilation/refrigeration, environmental sciences, engineering technicians, government administration, agribusiness, energy technology, and more.

SDSWMA Scholarship January 15

An applicant should desire a career in a trade supportive to the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and environment, the solid waste industry and/or related fields. Related fields include but are not limited to heavy equipment operators, diesel mechanics, millwrights, environmental technicians, welders, GPS/computer technicians, etc. These are the courses of study that will be considered for scholarships for the next 2-3 years beginning October 2024. Preference will be given to children and spouses of SDSWMA members, South Dakota residents studying at South Dakota post-secondary trade schools, high school seniors and students currently enrolled full or part time in a South Dakota post-secondary trade school.

US Presidential Scholar January 23

Established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, and, since that time, has honored more than 7,000 outstanding high school seniors. In 2015, President Barack Obama amended the program by adding a new component recognition for excellence among students in career and technical education (CTE).

February Deadlines

SD FFA Foundation February 5

Basin/Northern Electric Coop February 9

James Valley Tele/Bob Peterson Memorial

Stratford Community Theater February

Yankton College February

The Yankton College Scholarship Program awards general scholarships from endowed or restricted funds to deserving high school seniors each academic year to use at an accredited educational institution (college or university). Must have a Yankton College connection- (i.e. grandmother, friend, teacher, sibling as a former student).

NVC Scholarship February 26

Parents/legal guardians must be members or customers of NVC. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Immediate family members of NVC's directors or employees are not eligible for the NVC scholarship program. Additional info here.

Evie Kahnke Memorial February 28

Student should be active in extra curricular activities and pursuing a degree in the ag industry.

SD Weed Fighters February 28

Must be seeking a degree an agriculture production, precision farming, agronomy, entomology, or natural resources as fields of study in a South Dakota College, University or Technical School or any bordering state.

Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey February 28

Provides $6,000 over four years for study at a South Dakota postsecondary institution to enrolled members of American Indian tribes.

Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship February 28

Supports students pursuing Elementary Education at South Dakota's public universities.

March Deadlines

Agtegra March 1

American Legion Auxiliary March 1

Must be the child or grandchild of a veteran, or the child or grandchild of a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Thelma Foster March 1

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.

South Dakota Farm Bureau March 1

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.

South Dakota Assoc of Cooperatives (SDAC) March 1

SDAC is awarding two individual $1,000-scholarships to students enrolled in a South Dakota college, university, or technical school who are pursuing a degree related to a career at a cooperative. Eligibility is open to those who are a member or whose parents/guardians are members of a SDAC member cooperative.

SD Conservation Dist/Karst Memorial March 1

Attending a South Dakota college or vocational school in an agricultural or conservation-related field. 3.0+ GPA

American Agri-Women Foundation March 1

Available to any farm, ranch or agribusiness woman or her daughter to pursue accredited courses in agriculture leadership, communications, rural sociology, medicine, or any other courses directly related to agriculture.

Working Ranch Cowboy Foundation March 1

Must be a working ranch cowboy or the son, daughter, or spouse of a working ranch cowboy. A working ranch cowboy is defined as any person, male or female, deriving a significant portion of his or her income from taking care of cattle on a cattle ranch. Day workers are included. Minimum 3.0 GPA.

Hatterscheidt March 1

Demonstrate financial need, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be accepted to or currently attending Northern State University.

Dacotah Bank March 3

Jerry Grotewald Agriculture March 4

For students enrolling in an agriculture-related field of study.

KXLG Dean Johnson Business March 4

For students enrolling in business or a related field.

KXLG David J. Law Journalism March 4

For students enrolling in journalism or a related field.

Kevin & Mindy Wirkus Family March 4

For students enrolling in Law Enforcement or a Drug or Alcohol Counseling.

Redfield Area Arts Council March 7

The Redfield Area Arts Council will award a $250 college scholarship to one or more graduating seniors in the Spink County Area based on their participation in the arts.

Curtis Marvin Hohn Scholarship March 10

The competitive $1,000 scholarships are awarded to seniors graduating from a South Dakota High School attending a public or private college, university, or technical school in South Dakota. (Preference will be given to applicants pursuing studies in history, political science, or water resources (i.e., water conservation; water quality; hydraulics; water systems management and operation; or environment).

South Dakota Sheriffs Assoc March 12

Will be attending a South Dakota college or university as a full time student majoring or minoring in Criminal Justice and seeking a career in law enforcement.

HRMC HealthCare March 15

Coach Russ Morrell Memorial Scholarship March 15

South Dakota Fire Service March 15

A son or daughter 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. The applicant 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. Sponsoring fire department must have 100% membership.

Community Memorial Hospital Auxilliary March 20

Howard Memorial Fund March 20

Must be a resident of Brown County or attending Northern State University (regardless of location of residency).

Gordon Ingwersen (SFAC)

Joe and Norma Rahm Memorial (SFAC)

Emily's Hope (SFAC)

Web Water

Clark County Riders (CCR) March 31

Seeking graduating seniors continuing their education in a technical field. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, participate in both school and community activities and plan to attend a South Dakota technical school. Applicants must be willing to interview with the CCR MC selection panel to be considered for the scholarship.

Oahe Racers Association March 31

For students pursuing a degree in Automotive from one of South Dakota's four technical colleges (LATC, MTI, WDT or STI).

Eastern Star March 31

The recipient of a scholarship shall have completed a four year High School education or its equivalent. Preference will be given to member of the Order of the Eastern Star, those who have Eastern Star or Masonic Relationships, the child or dependent of a US War Veteran, Citizens of South Dakota and to those attending schools within the State of South Dakota.

Build Dakota January 1 - March 31

Check out eligible postsecondary programs here: https://www.builddakotascholarships.com/

South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Assoc March 31

Available to graduating high school students who will be enrolling at South Dakota State University or Southeast Technical Institute with a declared major in Horticulture, Floriculture, Plant Pathology, Landscape Design, Landscape Architecture, Turf Management and other allied subjects that pertain to the Green Industry.

Sanford Network January 15 - March 31

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AN AFFILIATION WITH A PARTICIPATING SANFORD NETWORK FACILITY. (EXAMPLES INCLUDE: EMPLOYEE, RELATIVE OF AN EMPLOYEE, COMMUNITY RESIDENT, PATIENT, ETC); ACCEPTED INTO A HEALTHCARE PROGRAM AT AN ACCREDITED, POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION. Minimum 3.0 GPA.

Ally Dakota Development March 31

Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance, is pleased to offer ten - $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post-secondary degree in a business/finance related field. Minimum 3.5 GPA.

April Deadlines

Huron Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau April 1

Scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior planning to enroll in post-secondary education at any university or technical college in South Dakota.

Masonic Grand Lodge of SD April 1

Must have a family connection to a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Area FCU April 1

Five (5) $1,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic school year to Area FCU members attending a two- or four-year post-secondary accredited college or university or a technical/vocational school. Applicants and/or guardian must be a member of Area Federal Credit Union (Prior to 2026). Your account must be in good standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Donald H. Quimby Memorial April 1

Inez Taylor Walter Scholarship April 1

Preference in awarding this scholarship will be given to a student planning on attending a South Dakota or North Dakota college or university in the field of nursing.

USA Softball of SD April 1

The USA Softball of South Dakota Scholarship Program has been established to award scholarships to those who have participated in USA Softball of South Dakota & desire to further their education. These participants must have participated 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 a official capacity of a USA Softball of South Dakota sanctioned team or league. 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.

Day County Coyote Hunt April 1

Established to award scholarships to immediate family (based on IRS Family Definition) of a current or former SD National Guard soldier & desire to further their education. 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.

Precision Soil Management April 1

SD Grand Commandery Knights Templar April 6

The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Dakota will award several scholarships to South Dakota residents who plan to attend a state Technical College in South Dakota. Successful candidates are US citizens who will demonstrate financial need and the capability to complete the vocational training program selected. Scholarships will be granted for one year but may be applied for each year for a maximum of three years.

Jakob Hohm Off Road Adventures April

Tegan's Light Memorial April

In honor of Tegan, this scholarship will be given to a senior in the state of South Dakota who is pursing a career in counseling or therapy services after graduation.

Tegan's Light Memorial - Welding April

In honor of Tegan, this scholarship will be given to a senior in the state of South Dakota who is pursing a career in welding after graduation.

Heartland State Bank April 10

Each of the four Heartland State Bank locations will award a total of $1,000 in scholarships. Scholarship amounts may vary!

Plains Commerce Bank April 10

The scholarship amounts offered in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Watertown are as follows: Aberdeen has two $500 scholarships, Sioux Falls has two $500 scholarships, Mitchell has two $500 scholarships, Hoven has one $500 scholarship, and Watertown has one $1,000 scholarship. To be eligible, you or your parents must be a customer of Plains Commerce Bank.

Full Circle Ag April 15

Dr. Dale A Gibson Oral Health April 15

For students enrolling in the Dental Hygiene program at LATC and intending to stay in South Dakota after graduation.

Gene Abdallah Law Enforcement Scholarship April 15

For students enrolling in Law Enforcement.

Mike Rowe Work Ethic April 30

June Deadlines

SD Opportunity Scholarship June 1

Provides up to $6,500 over four years to qualifying students who attend an eligible higher education institution in South Dakota.

Mike Rowe Work Ethic June 30

July Deadlines

James H. Jenssen Scholarship July 15

Have a parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, or cousin employed a minimum of 3 years (or retired) with the South Dakota Dept of Transportation and be pursuing an engineering program at South Dakota School of Mines or South Dakota State University. Minimum 3.0 GPA.

POW/MIA Survivors Trust Fund July 30

those eligible to apply for scholarship funds shall be limited to the Spouse, Children, Grand Children, Great Grand Children, Great- Great Grand Children, Widow, or Widower of known and verified POW or MIA who served after December 7, 1941. Must include documentation of POW/MIA status.

Other

Vitalant Blood Drive Scholarship August 1 - June 30

Non-competitive scholarship opportunity. Students can earn scholarship dollars for hosting a blood drive with Vitalant and dollar amount is dependent on number of units donated.

NSU Early Childhood Education Scholarship

Available for students enrolling in the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Northern State University. Must complete the FAFSA, obtain a 2.5 GPA and have full time enrollment, and commit to working in South Dakota in a child care field for two years after graduation.

SD Freedom Scholarship

Beginning with the fall 2022 semester, qualified South Dakota students may be eligible to receive a needs-based scholarship to attend a participating postsecondary institution located in the state. Each institution determines Freedom Scholarship recipients based on eligibility criteria including a student s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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