How Scholarships are Opening Doors

As published in pigeon605.com

For many students, earning a college degree starts with excitement — and quickly runs into a practical question: How will I afford it? At Southeast Technical College, that question is answered with action.

Each year, Southeast Tech invests millions of dollars in scholarships to help students step confidently into career-focused programs. For the 2025–26 academic year, more than 300 scholarship awards were granted, funded through annual and endowed gifts through the STC Foundation, as well as the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund and industry partners. The result is simple but powerful: More students can focus on building their futures instead of worrying about how to pay for them.

For many, that support marks the turning point between hoping college might be possible and knowing it is within reach.

One Application, Countless Possibilities

Southeast Tech’s scholarship process is designed with students in mind. Instead of navigating multiple forms and deadlines, students complete one universal application. From there, they automatically are matched with the STC scholarships they qualify for.

That streamlined approach saves time and removes unnecessary barriers — ensuring that students don’t miss out simply because they weren’t aware of a specific opportunity.

“It’s a streamlined process designed to remove barriers and connect students with opportunity — whether they are entering a high-demand technical field or advancing their skills to grow in their career,” said Megan Fischer, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.

Many scholarships support students in high-impact programs that directly strengthen communities and meet workforce needs. Among them are the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician Scholarship, funded by the Seed for Success Foundation, and the Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship, supported through a grant from the city of Sioux Falls. Beyond tuition assistance, Seed for Success scholarships also provide additional resources to help students get started strong and stay on track through graduation.

Full-Ride Support Through Build Dakota

One of the most transformative opportunities at Southeast Tech is the Build Dakota Scholarship. Now in its 11th year, the program continues to expand, partnering with more industry leaders and awarding more full-ride scholarships than ever before.

The scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition, fees, books and other required expenses. In return, students commit to working in South Dakota for their industry sponsor for three years after graduation. It’s a partnership that benefits both students and employers — launching careers while strengthening the state’s workforce.

For Jacob Spaans, an LPN student and Build Dakota recipient, the opportunity has been life-changing.

“I went into nursing because of the many possibilities,” Spaans said. “I like experiencing new things, and I also like the medical field, so I decided that nursing was a great pick. My ultimate goal is to obtain my RN or even my BSN, as well as work in radiology or a cardiac catheter lab.”

He was drawn to Southeast Tech’s hands-on environment and the efficiency of its program design.

“I was drawn to Southeast Tech by the length of a nursing degree,” he said. “If all goes well, I will be graduating with my RN in only two years, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. I like to work, so getting in and out of college quickly with a degree just makes sense.”

With the financial pressure lifted, Spaans has been able to concentrate fully on his coursework and clinical experiences.

“Build Dakota is amazing as it has enabled me to focus on school and grades instead of working a full-time job,” he said. “It has also significantly reduced stress over finances, which is a big plus.”

Investing in Students, South Dakota’s Workforce

Scholarships at Southeast Tech do more than support individual students. They represent a strategic investment in South Dakota’s future workforce. By reducing financial barriers, the college helps students enter essential fields faster and with less debt.

The impact is measurable: millions of dollars awarded annually, hundreds of scholarship awards distributed and growing partnerships with industry leaders committed to developing skilled professionals.

For students ready to take the next step, Southeast Technical College offers more than an education. It offers access to opportunity, to industry connections and to a future built on practical skills and real-world experience.

The scholarship application for the 2026–27 academic year is open through March 31. To learn more or complete the application, visit southeasttech.edu/scholarships.