SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The cost of education shouldn’t keep students from getting one, said Tenise Chapman, a co-owner of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City.

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SOUTH DAKOTA – An economic impact report reveals the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund has contributed $235.28 million in total economic output over the past ten years. The research report, conducted by the Dakota Institute, also shows the scholarship has supported the creation of 3,218 jobs, leading to $145.7 million in state GDP.

Build Dakota has awarded 3,955 scholarships for students attending technical colleges since 2015, a number that has increased in eight of the ten years since the program’s inception.

“These results are proof that South Dakota is Open for Opportunity!” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We understand that our students are the future of our communities, state, and nation. Investing in our young workforce through programs like Build Dakota doesn’t just create opportunities today — it will lead to greater prosperity for generations to come.”

“We see the impact these scholarships make every day in the lives of students. But when you can measure out the effect it has on the state in general, that’s truly powerful,” said Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship.

Dana Dykhouse, Chairman of the Build Dakota Scholarship Board, reflected on the benefits for the state’s workforce, saying, “The Build Dakota Scholarship is transforming lives by providing South Dakota young people technical education and opportunity. It’s creating personal wealth and generating economic impact that goes far beyond our initial donation. I cannot think of a better investment we could have made. Build Dakota is a true South Dakota success story.”

“The beauty of the Build Dakota Scholarship program is it’s a long-term solution, not a temporary fix. We didn’t just address the immediate need for workers but ensured South Dakota had a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for decades to come,” he added.

The 10-year economic impact study estimates effect of scholarship awards by quantifying student employment post-graduation, increased consumer demand from debt savings, and increased demand for education services. By aligning student ambition with industry needs, Build Dakota creates a virtuous cycle: students launch debt-free careers, employers secure qualified staff, and South Dakota’s communities thrive with a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Download the full report for more insights into the Build Dakota Scholarship’s impact on South Dakota.

About the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund

Since 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund has supported students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical colleges. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and other related expenses. In return, recipients commit to working in South Dakota in their field of study for a minimum of three years after graduation.

DELL RAPIDS, S.D. (KELO) — While school just started about a month ago, many juniors and seniors are looking forward to what the years ahead might hold for them.

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South Dakota – The Build Dakota Scholarship Program is proud to recognize 630 scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year.

These students from all over the state will train for high-needs fields at one of South Dakota’s four technical colleges. The scholarship covers all tuition and program expenses as the student commits to working in-state, in their chosen field, for three years after graduation.

“This scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for so many students,” said Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship.

“For more than a decade, we’ve worked alongside the four technical colleges – and with countless industry partners – to offer millions of dollars in scholarships. It’s neat to zoom out and think of the big picture effect we’re having on the workforce. But it’s also important to remember that for each and every person on this list, the Build Dakota Scholarship is a life-changing path to an impactful career.”

The complete list of this year’s recipients can be found here.

As the Build Dakota Scholarship celebrates a decade of transformational impact, the program enters an exciting new chapter—driven by the anticipation of continued growth and new opportunities to strengthen South Dakota’s workforce. Since its launch in 2015, Build Dakota has supported thousands of students pursuing high-demand technical careers, strengthened employer pipelines, and helped position South Dakota as a national leader in innovative workforce development.

Now, to support the continued growth and reach of the program, the Build Dakota team is expanding. Rita Nelson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has been named the Build Dakota Scholarship Workforce Relations Coordinator. Nelson has over 25 years of experience in management, recruiting, and workforce strategies across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. She recently concluded a 10-year tenure as Workforce Development Director at Yankton Thrive, where she led strategic efforts to connect education, industry, and community partners.

In her new role, Nelson will strengthen employer partnerships, align scholarship opportunities with industry needs, and support communities in cultivating local talent pipelines across South Dakota.

She joins a strong and growing team that includes Deni Martin, Build Dakota Program Manager, who has served as the visionary leader and sole program developer since Build Dakota’s inception. Over the past decade, Martin has guided the program’s strategic growth, built lasting partnerships, and overseen its successful implementation – transforming an ambitious vision into one of the most impactful workforce scholarship models in the nation.

Also on the team is Brandy Drew, Scholarship Program Specialist with the South Dakota Community Foundation. Since joining SDCF in 2022, Brandy has supported both the Freedom Scholarship and Build Dakota Scholarship, bringing a strong focus on accessibility, communication, and student success.

This milestone year also provides an opportunity to honor the visionary leadership of T. Denny Sanford and former Governor Dennis Daugaard, whose commitment to education and workforce development brought the Build Dakota Scholarship to life. Their bold partnership laid the foundation for this lasting and impactful investment in South Dakota’s future.

As Build Dakota looks ahead, the program invites communities, economic development organizations, and regional leaders to partner in new and creative ways. Whether through local scholarship matches, career awareness initiatives, or talent retention efforts, Build Dakota is eager to collaborate and help drive workforce success at every level.

With a decade of success behind it and a growing team of passionate leaders, Build Dakota is ready to create new partnerships and help build a stronger, more resilient future for South Dakota.

Learn more about the program’s impact and growth:
🔗 SD Community Foundation Feature
🔗 Build Dakota Leadership

Catch up with the latest Build Dakota Scholarship Fund updates, from enrollment reports to marketing plans and more.

Discover more by accessing the 2024-2025 annual report (PDF).

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Argus Leader) – As South Dakota technical colleges celebrate the 10th anniversary of providing Build Dakota scholarships to students, college leaders know there’s a need for additional workforce out there.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A South Dakota scholarship program is taking financial stress off college students and setting them up for success after graduation. The Build Dakota Scholarship allows a student entering a high-demand career to receive a full ride to a South Dakota technical college. This year, the scholarship celebrates its 10th anniversary.

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RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Some jobs are just dirtier than others. Western Dakota Tech had ‘Dirty Jobs’ star Mike Rowe stop in on Thursday to celebrate the Build Dakota Scholarship’s ten-year anniversary.

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SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) — It was a birthday bash that drew a big name.  Mike Rowe, the star of “Dirty Jobs”, made a whirlwind tour of South Dakota’s Technical Colleges yesterday to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Build Dakota Scholarship.  As Tom Rooney tells us, it’s a model that Rowe holds in high regard.

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