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.

Our goal is to give students the opportunity to enter programs in our state’s high-need industries and finish school debt-free. Take a look at the list of the 2024-2025 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients!

View the full list of 2024-2025 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients (PDF) here.

Our goal is to give students the opportunity to enter programs in our state’s high-need industries and finish school debt-free. Take a look at the list of the 2023-2024 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients!

View the full list of 2023-2024 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients (PDF) here.

Listen to our segment aired on In the Moment on SDPB Radio discussing the unique scholarship opportunity that Build Dakota offers.

Build Dakota Success Leads to More Industry Participation and Student Support, Helping Address South Dakota’s Workforce Challenges

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

In January 2021, Governor Kristi Noem announced an additional $20 million in continued support of the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund, securing funding for the program for another five years.

“The state’s commitment to the Build Dakota Scholarship is one of the best examples of how government can partner with private business to make real change in our state,” said South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. “As more and more businesses look to South Dakota to escape overregulation and high taxes, the Build Dakota Scholarship will allow our workforce the chance to train and meet the needs of our growing economy.”

Over 70% 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.

“As we enter our seventh year of offering Build Dakota Scholarships to young people, I think we have even more momentum than we did when we announced the program,” said Build Dakota Chairman Dana Dykhouse. “This scholarship is moving the needle for South Dakota employers and helping create successful careers for our state’s workforce.”

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 $2.6 million in funding from industry partners like Sanford Health, Fiegen Construction, CHS and many more.

“Our industry partner program has allowed more scholars to be awarded these scholarships, through a match program,” said Deni Amundson, program manager for Build Dakota. “Scholars with an industry partner are guaranteed a job after graduation, and the industry partner has a steady stream of highly trained employees.”

“Year after year, we have a very high level of interest from both students and industry partners wanting to utilize the Build Dakota scholarship at Southeast Technical College,”

said Southeast Technical College President Robert Griggs. “This program has changed the narrative about technical education in our state, and I’m excited to see continued growth and partnerships.”

View the 2021-2022 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients.

To learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship and find details on how to become an industry partner, visit BuildDakotaScholarships.com/Industry-Partners.

Adrian Cox, a soon-to-be Western Dakota Tech student, receives a Dakota Build scholarship that will allow him to enter and complete the Automotive Program with no debt and a secured career. Jeannie Best, Asst. Dir. of Scholarships Western Dakota Technical Institute, says that on top of having a job set in stone after graduation, Cox will also “be able to sustain the cost of living,” thanks to Dakota Build.

Read the full article here.

Deni Amundson, Program Manager for Build Dakota Scholarships, reflects on receiving a $50,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation. Amundson and Stephanie Johnson, President/CEO of the South Dakota Community Foundation, expect to see student-industry partner relationships to strengthen, creating a “ripple effect in our state,” in the direction of workforce retention.

Read the full article here.

Read the June – July 2021 newsletter from South Dakota Retailers Association, featuring Build Dakota Scholarships and its offerings for students and employers. Check out page 2 of the article to learn more.