Early Childhood Specialist Program Approved for Build Dakota Scholarship

Cory Clasemann

Kelli Rogotzke

Loretta Leloux

The Early Childhood Specialist associate degree program has been approved for the full-ride Build Dakota Scholarship at Southeast Technical College. The Build Dakota Scholarship covers 100% of a recipient’s tuition, fees, books and uniforms and is available for 30 of STC’s most in-demand careers.

“The demand for more childcare providers is great nation-wide, but particularly in the Sioux Falls region,” said Cory Clasemann, president, STC. “We are hopeful that by having a scholarship option for our 

students, we can educate more individuals and help fill this workforce void.”

In exchange for scholarship funds, Build Dakota scholars must commit to working in South Dakota for three years following graduation. For the 2024-25 academic year, Southeast Tech awarded 164 Build Dakota Scholarships, all of which were sponsored by industry.

“The industry match process allows us to stretch our scholarship dollars, and help area employers fill their workforce pipelines,” said Kelli Rogotzke, Build Dakota Coordinator, STC. “Employers finance half the scholarship, and in turn, get to hire their scholars after they receive their degree.”

To qualify for a Build Dakota Scholarship in the Early Childhood program, students must have an industry sponsor.

For students, receiving a scholarship can be life changing.

“Removing financial burdens for our students allows them to focus more completely on their studies,” said Loretta Leloux, program director of STC’s Early Childhood Specialist program. “Additionally, the scholarships provide connections to those in the field a student is pursuing, so it is beneficial for everyone.”

The scholarship window for the 2025-26 academic year will open Jan. 1, 2025, through March 31, 2025. 

Scholarships at Southeast Tech

Media Coverage

• Argus Leader - STC's new early childhood specialist program can get Build Dakota scholarship
• SDPB - Early childhood specialists eligible for Build Dakota scholarships
• KELO - Build Dakota Scholarship adds Early Childhood Specialist
• yahoo!news - Build Dakota Scholarship adds Early Childhood Specialist
• KELO Radio - Early childhood specialist degree now eligible for Build Dakota Scholarship