Build Dakota Scholarship 2026-2027 Application

Complete this form to apply for a Western Dakota Technical College, Build Dakota Scholarship (BDS).

Applications that are in-progress do not save.

So, if needed, work on essays in a word processing software (ex. Microsoft Word), then copy & paste responses into the application.

The application deadline is Monday, March 31, 2026, by 11:59 PM

For technical support: Call the WDTC IT Helpdesk at 605-394-5355 or visit https://www.wdt.edu/current-students/tech-support/.

For WDTC student ID number questions: Call or email the Admissions Office at 605-718-2565 or Admissions@wdt.edu. After being accepted to the college, you will receive an email from the Admissions Office with your student ID number. Please check the email address that you put on the college application. If you have not applied to the college, apply at https://www.wdt.edu/apply/.

For other questions: Email the WDT Foundation at Foundation@wdt.edu or call us at 605-718-1030.

NOTE:

• All communications about your application or will be done through email. You must check your Western Dakota Technical College email or personal email if you do not have a student email account, daily!

First:

Middle:

Last:

WDTC Student ID (apply at https://www.wdt.edu/apply/ to obtain a WDTC Student ID number):

High School:

City of High School:

State of High School:

Phone Number (10 digits, no parenthesis, hyphens, or spaces):

Email Address:

Build Dakota Program:

I understand, if I have not already done so, I also need to apply and be accepted into my program of study before any Build Dakota Scholarship Award can be finalized.

High School Graduation/GED/Anticipate High School Graduation Month:

High School Graduation/GED/Anticipate High School Graduation Year:

Which upcoming semester do you intend to start your Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Technical College?

Will the above term, be your first semester at Western Dakota Technical College?

Are you currently enrolled at a South Dakota Technical College or 4-Year University?

If you are currently enrolled a a South Dakota Technical College or 4-Year University, which institution?

Have you applied to and/or considering attending a 4-year university?

Have you applied or do you plan on applying to another South Dakota Technical College?

I understand that I can only accept one Build Dakota Scholarship.  Once I officially accept a Build Dakota Scholarship from one technical college, I will withdraw my application from any other technical college.

Education Beyond High School:

Are you currently living in South Dakota? If yes, which county?

Are you moving to SD from another state?

Build Dakota Recipients are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recipients are not required to accept any Federal Financial Aid but are required to complete the FAFSA (application located https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). 

I understand I need to complete the FAFSA for the upcoming Academic Year to be eligible for the Build Dakota Scholarship. If I have previously defaulted on any federal loans, I understand I will not be eligible for a Build Dakota Scholarship until I have remedied my status. 

How did you hear about the Build Dakota Scholarship?

Have you ever received a Build Dakota Scholarship?

If you have received a prior Build Dakota Scholarship, what Program & Year did you graduate?

I understand that I may only receive one Build Dakota Scholarship and it is my responsibility to notify the technical college of any prior participation in the program. Failure to notify them may result in my dismissal from the Build Dakota program and repayment of any funds paid on my behalf.

I understand that if my interest is in transitioning from LPN to RN or Dental Assisting to Dental Hygiene, I may be eligible to receive two awards upon disclosing prior LPN or Dental Assisting award. 

I understand determination for a second Build Dakota Scholarship will be determined by the technical college in consultation with any applicable industry sponsors.

I understand that, if I am offered this scholarship, I will be required to sign a contract with Western Dakota Technical College in which I agree to work full-time in South Dakota, and in the program for which I am awarded, for 36-months following program completion and licensure (if licensure applicable).  Therefore, I also plan to find employment and remain in South Dakota after graduation.

After program completion, which city or geographic area of South Dakota do you prefer to live/work?

Are you willing to relocate outside your preferred South Dakota geographic area to obtain employment?

Do you plan on continuing your education to obtain a bachelor's degree immediately after graduation from Western Dakota Technical College?  If yes, what degree will you be pursuing?

I understand I may request to defer my employment obligation in order to pursue further education in my field of study.  I also understand that I must be employed in my original field, paid for by Build Dakota, for 36-months regardless of any further education I receive.

Please list any extra-curricular activities, CTE classes, organizations, industry recognized certifications, or awards.  If none, please type NONE.

I understand that the Build Dakota Scholarship is a competitive workforce scholarship and that not all applicants will receive an award.

If you like to add a resume to your application, you can email a PDF to Foundation@wdt.edu. File type must be PDF. We will attach the PDF to the rest of your application when it is processed.

If you like to add a letter of recommendation to your application, you can email a PDF to Foundation@wdt.edu. File type must be PDF. We will attach the PDF to the rest of your application when it is processed. Recommendation Letter component of application is optional. Maximum of one letter for application.

Why did you choose Western Dakota Technical College and this career field? (250-750 words)

Please explain how your participation in high school or community activities, career and technical education classes, or employment history have helped you explore your career decision to attend Western Dakota Technical College.  What experiences have you had that prove you'll be a successful student and reliable professional? (250-750 words)

Explain any special circumstances that should be taken into consideration by Western Dakota Technical College and an industry sponsor to explain why you are the best candidate for a Build Dakota Scholarship. What makes you stand out? What are the strengths you will bring to this career field? (250 - 750 words)

Western Dakota Technical College partners with businesses across the state to stretch their Build Dakota funds to award more students full-ride scholarships.

I understand that a business pays for a portion of the full-ride scholarship and Build Dakota picks up the remaining balance and student who are matched with an industry sponsor are most likely to receive a Build Dakota Scholarship.

I understand that if I commit to an industry partner, I will have a second contract with that partner which is separate from my Build Dakota contract.

I understand that if sponsored, I am expected to stay with my original partner throughout the duration of my 36-month obligation. It is the discretion of the technical college to decide to terminate my Build Dakota Scholarship based on termination of an industry partner contract and that exceptions may be made if I follow the appropriate protocols for leaving my original partner.

I understand my Build Dakota contract is with Western Dakota Technical College and that they make any final decisions regarding the Build Dakota side of my contract, potential debt conversions, and any industry partner concerns.

Do you already have an Industry Partner to sponsor a Build Dakota Scholarship?

If you already have an Industry Partner, Company Name:

If you already have an Industry Partner, Company Contact Name:

If you already have an Industry Partner, Company Contact Email:

If you already have an Industry Partner, Company Contact Phone (10 digits, no parenthesis, hyphens, or spaces):

If you do not already have an Industry Partner, do you give permission to our Industry Partners that haven't selected student(s) to sponsor yet to review your application to potentially sponsor you? Please note there are limited non-sponsored Build Dakota Scholarships available. Accepted Industry Sponsorships help increase the potential number of available Build Dakota Scholarships for the awarding cohort.

I understand Western Dakota Technical College will release my application as soon as possible to interested businesses so I may be contacted any time after submission of my Build Dakota Scholarship application.  Western Dakota Technical College has until June 30th to finalize their industry partner contracts.

For additional questions about BDS Sponsorships, contact the Assistant Director of Scholarships at Andrew.Kapelewski@wdt.edu or 605-718-3061.

Program Expectations, Disclosures, and Release

1. I understand that this is a work-based scholarship. I will be required to sign a student agreement outlining the terms of this scholarship. If I do not fulfill the terms of the agreement, I will be required to repay any funds provide for my education.
2. I understand that I must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA while attending college.
3. I understand I must work full-time in my approved field of study, in South Dakota, for a minimum of 3 years upon completion of my program.
4. I understand that I must enroll full-time at Western Dakota Technical College and that any exceptions are determined by Western Dakota Technical College.
5. I understand that this scholarship is for students starting a new program at Western Dakota Technical College and that it is up to Western Dakota Technical College to determine my eligibility after review of my specific circumstances.
6. Alternatively, if my application isn't selected for a Build Dakota Scholarship, I understand I will receive notification by Western Dakota Technical College to my WDTC Student Email.
7. I understand that I may be asked to interview with the program I have chosen to ensure compatibility with the chosen program and commitment.
8. I authorize Western Dakota Technical College, the SD Department of Education, and their agents to release information about me to certify and validate I am eligible for this scholarship.
9. I authorize the release of my name, photo, and program information in press releases and social media, directly pertaining to the Build Dakota Scholarship.
10. I understand the information provided will be used to determine awarding of the Build Dakota Scholarship and in evaluation of the WDTC Scholarship Program.
11. The information I have provided on this form is accurate and complete.

By typing my name in the signature box below and clicking on the "Agree and Submit", I agree to all the above. 

Signature

Submission Date