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Start Building Your Career

If you’re thinking about your career options, you’re already setting your future up for success—especially if you’re considering a specialized career. With a technical degree, you can build a future where you make your mark with a job that matters and impacts your community. A fulfilling future, where community and quality of life make a difference. Get it all in South Dakota.

Our technical colleges ensure today’s graduates are skilled scholars valued in a high-need industry. If that sounds like a future you’re interested in, Build Dakota can get you there. Get your high-need technical degree, 100% free. Apply now.

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Start Working on your Application

Your next opportunity to apply for a Build Dakota Scholarship starts January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026. Find a few tips to get started below, and look for more information in the months ahead.

Please note: applications are managed directly through technical colleges. If you wish to apply at more than one school, you will need to create a separate application at each school. An industry partner is not required to apply. Please contact your technical college for application assistance.

1
Step 1

Apply for admissions at the technical college you’re interested in attending

2
Step 2

Click on the college logo to be taken to the Build Dakota application for that technical college.

3
Step 3

Read the college’s instructions and apply.

Good luck!

South Dakota Technical Colleges

South Dakota is home to four top technical colleges that provide a cheaper, faster, more flexible path to your future. Each offers hands-on learning about material that makes a difference in the world. Find your fit.

 

Southeast Tech offers more than 70 pathways to today’s most innovative fields. Here, you’ll find career-focused two-year programs that prepare you with the skills you need to jumpstart your career in high-need industries.
Sioux Falls, SD
1-800-247-0789
Program Options
At Mitchell Tech, students learn and perform in settings that mirror real-world workplaces. In two years or less, you’ll understand the complexities of your chosen field and have the hands-on experience to get started.
Mitchell, SD
1-800-684-1969
Program Options
Lake Area Tech offers small, interactive classes, new technology and cutting-edge programs to prepare students for the current workforce demands. Learn by doing and work with the most advanced equipment in your field of study.
Watertown, SD
1-800-657-4344
Program Options
Western Dakota Tech—the only technical college in the western South Dakota region—offers programs in some of the fastest-growing fields and industries. Through internships and industry partners, students graduate ready to make an immediate impact.
Rapid City, SD
1-800-544-8765
Program Options

Contact Us

For general Build Dakota Scholarship questions or concerns, please contact:

Deni Martin
Program Manager
deni@builddakotascholarships.com
(605) 347-1804

Brandy Drew
Employment Verification
brandy@builddakotascholarships.com
(605) 776-2608

 

For questions regarding specific programs, eligibility, selection criteria or application status, please contact the technical colleges directly.

Lake Area Technical College

Melissa Waldner
(605) 882-5284 EXT 292
Email Sarah

Mitchell Technical
College

Robin Jacobsen
(605) 995-7144
Email Robin

Southeast Technical College

Megan Fischer
(605) 367-6040
Email Megan

Western Dakota Technical College

Chutima Supboon
(605) 718-3064
Email Chutima