Scholarship

Build Dakota Scholarship

       

Build Dakota Logo

 

Build Dakota Scholarship Application NOW opens until March 31st, 2023. 

Click HERE to apply!

 

More information, please visit Build Dakota Scholarship & FAQs.

Build Dakota Eligible Programs

• Automotive Technology, AAS

• Computer-Aided Design, AAS

• Computer Science, AAS

• Construction Technology, Diploma

• Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Emphasis, AAS

• Dental Assisting, Diploma

• Diesel Technology, AAS

• Diesel - Industrial Maintenance, AAS

• Drafting & Machining Technology, AAS

• Electrical Trades, AAS

• Environmental Engineering Technician (EET), AAS

• EET - Controlled Environment Agriculture*, AAS

• HVAC/Refrigeration Technology, AAS

• Medical Laboratory Technician, AAS

• Paramedic, AAS

• Plumbing Technology, Diploma

• Practical Nursing*, Diploma

• Precision Machining Technology, Diploma

• Registered Nursing*, AAS

• Surgical Technology, AAS

• Welding and Fabrication, AAS & Diploma

 

 

 

What are the eligibility requirements of the Build Dakota Scholarship?

To be eligible for a Build Dakota Scholarship, students must: 
  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national (Must meet citizenship eligibility requirements according to Federal Financial Aid regulations.)
  • Commit to stay and work in the Build Dakota eligible career field in South Dakota.
  • Be any age with any GPA.
    • There is no minimum GPA, but GPA is considered in the selection process. 
  • Apply for Financial Aid (https://studentaid.gov/.) 
    • Students do not need to have your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completed before submitting the Build Dakota Scholarship application.
      • However, students must complete and submit the FAFSA in order to receive this scholarship.
    • Students are not required to accept any financial aid.
      • If students want help with the FAFSA, please feel free to contact our Financial Aid Office at finaid@wdt.edu or 605-718-2988.
  • Apply to Western Dakota Technical College for a Build Dakota Scholarship Eligible Program: https://wdt.edu/apply/
    • If students have any Admissions Process questions, please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at admissions@wdt.edu or 605-718-2565.

 

We highly recommend students review Build Dakota Scholarship FAQs before applying for the scholarship.

*An incomplete Build Dakota Scholarship application will NOT save on the system!* You will start over every time you close the window. If needed, work on essays in a word processing software (ex. Microsoft Word), then copy & paste responses into the application.

 

*To receive a Build Dakota Scholarship, students must be accepted to the eligible program and successfully enroll in the program's classes

What are the Build Dakota Scholarship commitments?

Build Dakota Scholarship recipients agree to:

  • Enroll full-time in the Build Dakota Scholarship eligible program at Western Dakota Technical College.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  • Complete the program on time as a full-time student.
    • Diploma programs typically require 1 to 1.5 years.
    • AAS Degree programs typically require 2 years.
  • Fulfill Western Dakota Technical College’s expectations for Build Dakota Scholarship recipients.
  • Work full-time in South Dakota, in your field of study, for a minimum of 3 years, following graduation.
  • Industry partner awardees must also meet any additional commitments to their Industry Sponsor.

What does Build Dakota cover?

A full-ride scholarship covers*:

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Textbooks
  • Tools
  • Laptop
  • Uniforms/Scrubs
  • Other Program Required Supplies
  • *Build Dakota Scholarship does not pay for the general education required for acceptance into either the LPN or RN programs.
    • If you need to complete general education credits during the fall semester for the LPN or RN Program, you will receive a "tentative" award, based on securing a seat into either program for the upcoming spring semester.
  •