PIERRE Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated the awarding of 630 new Build Dakota Scholarships for the 20252026 academic year, the highest number in the programs history. These recipients make up Cohort 11, representing the 11th year of scholarship awards through the Build Dakota program.
Build Dakota is more than a scholarship program; it is a long-term investment in the future of South Dakota. These awards represent a strategic commitment to equip learners with the skills to thrive in high-demand industries while supporting the growth and competitiveness of our states economy, said Governor Larry Rhoden. We are building stronger communities by connecting students with meaningful career paths and aligning them with workforce needs.
Established in 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund was created through an initial $50 million investment from both philanthropist T. Denny Sanford and the Daugaard Administration. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 4,500 full-ride scholarships to students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields and establishing rewarding careers. The program plays a vital role in addressing South Dakotas workforce needs by equipping students with the technical skills essential to the states continued economic growth.
This scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for so many students, said Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship. For more than a decade, weve worked alongside the four technical colleges and with countless industry partners to offer millions of dollars in scholarships.
The 20252026 cohort reflects the strength of South Dakotas public-private partnerships. This year, 92 percent of recipients are co-sponsored by businesses and organizations across the state. To date, industry partners have committed more than $21 million by partnering on scholarships, demonstrating a shared and growing investment in building a skilled and sustainable workforce.
According to recent data from the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, 98 to 100 percent of graduates from the states four technical colleges are employed or continuing their education, and nearly 90 percent of those employed are working in South Dakota. Build Dakota recipients further that impact by committing to live and work in the state for at least three years, strengthening local industries and communities.
Approximately 6 percent of the 630 scholarships awarded were granted to out-of-state students, many from neighboring Midwest states, who have committed to live and work in South Dakota following graduation. Businesses, students, and community leaders can learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship program by visiting www.BuildDakotaScholarships.com. Details on eligibility, Cohort 12 (2026) programs, and how to become an industry partner are available online.
Students awarded scholarships and the college they will be attending include:
Lake Area Technical: Summer Beekman, Forestburg; Jacob Buranen, Redfield; James Burma, Miller; Waylon Davis, Huron; Tyson Eddy, Woonsocket; Brittany Friese, Alpena; Whitney Hagman, Woonsocket; Kaylyn Hofer, Carpenter; Emily Jennings, Bancroft; Morgan Kolda, St. Lawrence; Ryker Sawell, Huron; Ashley Sederstrom, Huron; Tehya Vig, Willow Lake.
Mitchell Tech: Chris Allen, Huron; Mirra Beck, De Smet; Rachel Boomsma, Wolsey; Jack Easton, Letcher; Natalie Evans, Woonsocket; Brady Feenstra, Huron; Lucas Feldhaus, Howard; Cooper Goldammer, Woonsocket; Da Klo Htoo, Huron; Saw Nee Blut Htoo, Huron; Jesse Hughes, Miller; Rakell Igou-Rouse, Huron; Reese Lemke, Huron; Teige Lewis, Redfield; Miles McPeak, Highmore; Angelo Medina, Huron; Kennadie Ochsner, Alpena; Samuel Poncelow, Wessington Springs; Harley Roberts, Wolsey; Cha See, Huron; Shealay Smith, Huron; Katie Stange, Woonsocket; Gabriel Waldner, Huron; Keaton Zomer, Huron.
Southeast Technical College: Patrick Decker, Carpenter; Roxanne Glanzer, Huron; Adison Gross, Huron; Madison Hershman, Huron; Jillian Reno, Huron; Preslie Russell, Miller; Dana Tice, Miller.
Western Dakota Technical College: Micah Larson, Huron.
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