Scholarship recipients signed their Build Dakota Scholarship certificates and received college pennants. More than 275 parents, friends, and representatives from area businesses sponsoring the Build Dakota scholarships were in attendance.
Western Dakota Technical College recognized 127 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Students who have been selected received full ride Build Dakota Scholarships. Modeled after a college athletic signing, the event celebrated students for the scholarship and their commitment to pursuing high-demand technical careers.
Scholarship recipients signed their Build Dakota Scholarship certificates and received college pennants. More than 275 parents, friends, and representatives from area businesses sponsoring the Build Dakota scholarships were in attendance.
The total value of the Build Dakota Scholarship awards is about $3.1 million total is ($3,082,684.00). Out of the 127 scholarships to be awarded, 87 are generously sponsored by 10 local industry partners. This year marks the 12th year since the inception of the Build Dakota Scholarship Program.
The scholarships were awarded to students enrolling in the following programs:
- Architecture & Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Science
- Construction Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Trades
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Health Information Management
- Law Enforcement Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Paramedic
- Plumbing Technology
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Registered Dental Assisting
- Registered Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Welding and Fabrication
About Build Dakota: The Build Dakota Scholarship program was established to address the shortage of skilled workers in high-need workforce fields in South Dakota. By offering full scholarships and fostering industry partnerships, Build Dakota aims to fill these gaps with highly skilled professionals. Scholarship recipients receive a free education, businesses gain qualified employees, and South Dakota’s workforce is strengthened. Scholarships are available at the state’s four technical colleges.
