Gov. Rhoden Announces 618 Build Dakota Scholars

Gov. Rhoden Announces 618 Build Dakota Scholars

Honors T. Denny Sanford’s Legacy

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced 618 students have been awarded Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. These recipients make up Cohort 12, representing the 12th year of scholarship awards through the Build Dakota program. You can find the complete list of recipients here.

“These 618 scholars represent the future of South Dakota. When we invest in students, we create opportunity for them to succeed, and South Dakota grows right alongside them,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I am grateful for T. Denny Sanford’s leadership and foresight to help launch this program. More than a decade later, we see that vision at work across our state. This year’s scholars are the next chapter of his remarkable legacy.”

This year’s announcement holds special meaning as South Dakota remembers T. Denny Sanford and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. In 2015, his $25 million investment helped launch Build Dakota alongside a $25 million investment from the State of South Dakota. His vision was simple but powerful: invest in students, create opportunity, and build a stronger South Dakota.

5,196 Build Dakota Scholarships have been awarded since the program began. A 2025 economic impact study conducted by Dakota Institute found Build Dakota generated an estimated $235 million in economic output during its first decade, or $4.33 for every dollar invested.

“Denny always believed in people and in South Dakota,” said Dana Dykhouse, Chairman of the Build Dakota Scholarship Board and Chairman and CEO of First PREMIER Bank. “He knew an investment in education could become so much more than a scholarship. Today, Build Dakota is launching careers, connecting students with employers, and creating opportunities that can change families for generations. With industry partners now investing alongside Build Dakota in 90% of our scholars, Denny’s vision continues to grow through people investing in people and in South Dakota.”

The 618 scholars in Cohort 12 represent more than 160 home communities across South Dakota, demonstrating the statewide reach of Build Dakota. The recipients will attend one of South Dakota’s four technical colleges and prepare for careers in some of the state’s highest-demand workforce fields. Scholars commit to living and working in South Dakota in their field of study for three years following graduation.

Businesses, students, and community leaders can learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship program by visiting www.BuildDakotaScholarships.com. Details on eligibility, Cohort 13 (2027) programs, and how to become an industry partner are available online.

BUILD DAKOTA ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION BOARD TRANSITION

SCOTT KNUPPE RETIRES; TENISE CHAPMAN APPOINTED

PIERRE, S.D. – The Build Dakota Scholarship Program recognized Scott Knuppe for his contributions to the Build Dakota Administration Board and welcomed Tenise Chapman as its newest member during the August board meeting.

Knuppe concluded his board service on June 1, 2026, coinciding with his retirement from Caterpillar in Rapid City.

“Scott has been an important part of the Build Dakota Administration Board,” said Dana Dykhouse, chair of the board. “His industry knowledge, connections and commitment helped guide the program as it grew and expanded its impact across South Dakota. We wish him the very best in retirement, and we are pleased to welcome Tenise to the board.”

Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Chapman to succeed Knuppe on the Build Dakota Administration Board, which brings together community and industry leaders from across South Dakota.

Chapman and her husband, Weston, are Western Dakota Technical College alumni and co-owners of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City. She has helped lead the company’s commitment to community involvement, guided by her belief that a successful business should strengthen the community it serves.

A strong advocate for technical education, Chapman also serves on the Western Dakota Technical College Board of Trustees. She founded Camp DRIVE, a first-of-its-kind automotive camp that introduces youth ages 12 to 15 to automotive careers.

Selected from more than 100 nominees nationwide, Chapman was recently named a finalist for the Women in Auto Care Shop Owner of the Year. Tenise brings experience in business, education and workforce development to the board.

ABOUT BUILD DAKOTA

Since 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 4,000 scholarships to students pursuing high-need programs at South Dakota’s technical colleges. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books and other related expenses. Recipients commit to working in South Dakota in their field of study for at least three years after graduation.

A 2025 economic impact study conducted by the Dakota Institute found that Build Dakota generated an estimated $235.28 million in total economic output during its first decade. The program also supported the creation of 3,218 jobs and contributed $145.7 million to South Dakota’s gross domestic product.

Build Dakota was established through a $25 million gift from the late T. Denny Sanford and a matching contribution from the South Dakota Future Fund under former Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Their partnership created a lasting investment in South Dakota students, technical education and workforce development.

Cohort 11: 2025-2026 Annual Report

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

Discover more by accessing the 2025-2026 annual report (PDF).

Build Dakota Announces Cohort 8

464 students awarded the Build Dakota Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year

The eighth cohort of Build Dakota Scholarship Fund students will begin classes this month, helping to fill the gap of essential workforce needs for South Dakota.

Build Dakota aims to support students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical colleges to fill the state’s technical career fields with skilled professionals. The scholarships cover tuition and fees, books, equipment, and other related program expenses for eligible programs within nine high-need industry areas at South Dakota’s four technical colleges.

In-state and out-of-state students of all ages are eligible to apply. Scholarship applicants must be accepted into their approved program of interest. Recipients of the scholarship must enroll full-time, complete their educational program on schedule, and commit to stay in South Dakota to work in their field of study for three years following graduation.

This year over 80% of scholars are backed by an industry partner, meaning these students are guaranteed a job upon completing their degree. Industry partners provide a match with scholarship dollars. In return, students commit to working for the industry partner for three years following graduation. With workforce recruitment challenges facing businesses across the state and nation, Build Dakota offers security and stability for businesses who invest in their workforce through the industry partner program.

Each technical college manages their own industry partner program, working with local businesses and economic development organizations to find future employment opportunities for Build Dakota scholars in high-need workforce areas. This cohort is supported by over $3.1 million in funding from industry partners across the state.

Click here to access the complete list of this year’s Build Dakota Scholarship winners.

Applications for the 2023-24 school year open in January 2023.