Apply Now

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.

Learn More

Start Working on your Application

Your next opportunity to apply for a Build Dakota Scholarship starts January 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025. 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
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
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
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

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

Sarah Wirtjes
(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