June 17, 2022

The largest group ever of Build Dakota scholarship winners has committed to Southeast Technical College.

The school honored 142 winners of the full-ride scholarship Thursday with a signing ceremony on its campus.

“We are thrilled to honor our largest group of Build Dakota Scholarship recipients and welcome them to Southeast Tech,” said STC President Robert Griggs in a statement. “Receiving a full-ride scholarship to college is no easy task, and we are delighted to share in this great accomplishment with them.”

This year marks the eighth cohort of Build Dakota Scholarship awards, and STC grants an increasing number each year. The scholarship is available for 23 of Southeast Tech’s most in-demand programs in industries like healthcare, engineering technology, I.T. mechatronics and the trades.

STC works closely with businesses in the region that are seeking graduates from Build Dakota programs, the school said. Many agree to match the scholarship funds and sponsor a Build Dakota scholar. This year, there are 112 sponsored scholarships. Sponsors conduct an interview selection process with interested students, and the students agree to work for that sponsor after graduation. Students without an industry sponsor also agree to work in South Dakota for three years following graduation, per the scholarship agreement.

“By advancing our partnerships with industry in the area, we are able as an institution to continue our mission to fulfill the workforce needs of the region,” Griggs said. “Build Dakota is a great program that simultaneously addresses training, education and workforce development issues with one scholarship.”