South Dakota Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are for South Dakota High School Students. They are organized by the month the application is due. 

September
No applications available this month. 

October
​The SD Farmers Union, in cooperation with the SD Farmers Union Foundation, takes pride in announcing the availability of scholarships to applicants whose parents are members of SD Farmers Union.
This is a great opportunity for girls to apply for a technology award, which will include prizes and opportunities for scholarships. For more information, contact:  NCWITAWARDS@DSU.EDU
Those looking to apply must: Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation. Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution). Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required). Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities. Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and be a United States citizen.

November
​Any high school senior who is a US Citizen may apply for an MVS scholarship. Applications will be judged on: Scholarship, Leadership and Financial need. 
​This program recognizes students in grades 5-12 who make meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.  Apply for a 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Award and you could win $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
​The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools that are in good standing with their state boards of education. The student selected as the school's DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. 
​Provides merit-based scholarships for eligible U.S. high school students to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. 

December
No applications available this month. ​

January
​For high school seniors applying to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or South Dakota State University for engineering. 
​Legends for Kids awards scholarships to outstanding college-bound high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in school athletics, their community and academic achievement. Award recipients must have demonstrated exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in athletics, academics and community involvement. Student must be nominated by a school official (principal, athletic director, coach, etc.)
​Scholarships are awarded to dependents of Sioux Valley Energy customers. There is also a scholarship for students interested in the power line work field. 
All contestants and coaches should be familiar with the rules for American Legion oratory as defined in the national brochure Annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, “A Constitutional Speech Contest” which are available on line see link. The  District 7 Contest is to be held at Humbolt American Legion Post Home, Dell Rapids, SD 57022, January 10, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Storm date January 17th same time and place. Please see information in link

February
​Every year the SD Education Association sponsors scholarships to support high school seniors who wish to pursue a career in education. This  scholarship can be renewed for 4 years.  Ramia Boersma applicants must be the son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter of an SDEA or SDEA Retired member.  
​Every year the SD Education Association sponsors scholarships to support high school seniors who wish to pursue a career in education.  This scholarships can be renewed for 4 years.  The Gordon Horgen Scholarship supports Native American students interested in a career in education.
​POET Never Satisfied Scholarships are open to students enrolled in any SD two- or four-year post-secondary school, regardless of major or GPA. Never Satisfied Scholars receive up to $5,000 each, and will have the opportunity to visit the POET Sioux Falls campus during the school year.
Applicants must be a high school senior working for Hy-Vee or subsidiary or a high school senior son and/or daughter of a full -, regular-, or part time Hy-Vee or subsidiary employee who has a minimum of six months employment.
Scholarship open to applicants diagnosed with a from of cancer at any point during their life. Open to all high school seniors graduating from a South Dakota school district, attending post-secondary education of their choosing.
The scholarships will recognize the distinguished scholastic, leadership, and citizenship attributes of high school student athletes, and the importance of high school athletics in each student’s life. Applicant must be a Senior; achieve at least two of the following: minimum of B+ average; ranked in the top 25% of class; ACT score of 24 or an SAT score of 1100. Forms are to be turned into Joey Struwe, Athletic Principal LHS, by February 21, 2019
​Any high school senior or student receiving an accredited high school diploma or GED, who plans to attend an institution of higher learning, is a resident of South Dakota and is the direct descendant of a United States Military Veteran is eligible. This includes legally adopted descendants. The term “Veteran” refers to former and current members of the United States Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard. 

March
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage those students concerned with conserving their natural resources by furthering their education in an agricultural related field. The scholarship is available to those attending a four-year college or a vocational college and pursuing an Ag related career.
​This scholarship is available to high school seniors from the region who have signed a letter of intent to play college football. Each award will be used to help graduating seniors who display great academic potential, community involvement, and desire to play college football.
Heart of Tomorrow Program - Sanford Health has developed the Heart of Tomorrow program to assist Sanford Health employees’ dependent children who are planning to pursue post-secondary education in a two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical program. These scholarships will be offered on a yearly basis for fulltime study at any accredited post-secondary institution the student chooses.
While academics are important, the PREMIER Community Scholarship also emphasizes leadership, community service and character, as it is our shared belief that rewarding young leaders who excel inside and outside of the classroom is a smart investment for us all. To qualify for a PREMIER Community Scholarship, the student or parent must be a current customer in markets with First PREMIER Bank locations.
South Dakota high school seniors seeking funds to attend post-secondary education at a South Dakota college, university, or technical school.
Open to Farmers Union Insurance Policyholders, South Dakota Farmers Union Members, Friends of the SDFU Foundation (defined as a contribution of $25 or more during the past year), OR a Participant in any South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) sanctioned activity.
High school senior, attending an accredited post high school educational institution • Have not previously received a Woods Fuller scholarship • Reside within the counties of Lincoln or Minnehaha in South Dakota or Sioux or O’Brien in Iowa.  
​At the time of application, student must have a First Dakota checking account and demonstrate satisfactory account maintenance.
​You do not need to be a customer of First National Bank in order to qualify. Each applicant must, however, be a graduating area high school senior and plan to attend an accredited South Dakota institution of higher learning (public or private) as a full-time student. What are you passionate about? We’ve scrapped the typical 500-word essay requirement and have asked you to submit a 30-60 second YouTube video showcasing your talents. Check the website for ideas.
​Those looking to apply must: Have completed high school or plan to complete high school with plans to enroll at a non-profit post-secondary institution. Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States. Demonstrate critical financial aid. Demonstrate perseverance in overcoming adversity. Be involved in community service activities.
To be eligible, applicants must: Be enrolled full-time as a high school senior, progressing normally toward graduation; exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at one of these schools: BHSU, DSU, SDSM, SDSU, USD, UofM-Twin Cities, AU, or USF; demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower AG family income is required); be involved in co-curricular and community service activities; display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity; maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5; be a United States citizen. Enter code SAN19 in application code box.
Must be a high school senior, graduating before June 30th of the current school year. Participated in any JA Program during applicatant's K-12 education, including the high school JA Ethics program.  
​The committee will select scholarship recipients based upon grade point average, financial need, extracurricular activities abilities, and character. The "whole student" is taken into consideration based upon the written application form, the family's most resent IRS For 1040 tax return, letters of recommendation and high school transcript.  
5 - $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post-secondary degree in a business/finance related field. ​
Must be a senior at a Sioux Empire high school. Must have contributed at least 100 hours of service within the past 12 months. Eligible service may include: service with community/religious organizations; service through school/community based service-learning projects or individual efforts to help others and/or improve the community. This service cannot include fundraising, lobbying, or paid/stipend service.

April
SD students pursuing higher education. All applicants must be sponsored by a SDAA member. Names and contact information of SDAA members is available at www.sdagaviation.com/members 
An applicant must be a high school senior or full-time undergraduate student, attending an accredited post high school educational institution. Have not previously received a First Bank & Trust Scholarship. Employees and members of the Board of Directors of First Bank & Trust, its affiliates, and the immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings and children, and each of their respective spouses regardless of where they live) and persons living in the households of each of these individuals, whether related or not, are not eligible. Be a First Bank & Trust checking or savings account holder.
The USA Softball of South Dakota Scholarship Program has been established to award scholarships to those who have participated in USA Softball of South Dakota & desire to further their education. These participants must have participated in the USA Softball of South Dakota sanctioned programs for at least
3 years as a player, coach, umpire, USA Softball of South Dakota official, or in a official capacity of a USA Softball of South Dakota sanctioned team or league. This scholarship may also be granted to a family member of USA Softball of South Dakota member who is physically challenged as determined by the American Disabilities Act passed on July 25, 1990.
​This award is presented annually to graduating high school students. These annual scholarships were established to benefit high school graduates who will attend an accredited college, university or technical college and major in a construction-related field. Scholarship winners must reside within the counties of Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha or Turner and have applied for acceptance into a college or trade school curriculum within the home building industry or related fields.
This scholarship is available to a high school senior who either has a current member of SDSTE in their district or has a parent who is a current member of SDSTE.  The student should be planning to go into the field of Educational or Informational Technology. 
High School applicants must be a graduating senior, must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 and must plan to attend any college of their choice. Preference will be given to students who are customers of (or whose parents are customers of) Heritage Bank.
​SFWR will award two-$250 college scholarships to female Sioux Falls area seniors who have demonstrated a love for running and a commitment to the sport of running and the running community. See application instructions for details.
​Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, character and community service. The successful applicant must attend a South Dakota college, university, vocational school or community college. These scholarships are a part of South Dakota Bankers Foundation and American Bank & Trust's ongoing commitment to education.
To be eligible, students must be current high school seniors from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota or Wisconsin who attend college. They may attend any eligible U.S. college either virtually or physically. Students do not need to attend an Iowa college or university to be eligible.
To be eligible, students must be graduating high school senior, have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA , and be a primary Voyage FCU member in good standing. The member must live, work or worship in Lincoln or Minnehaha county.  For use by full-time students enrolled in an accredited college, university, trade, or technical school for the 2022-23 school year.

May
​The Associated General Contractors of South Dakota Highway-Heavy-Utilites Chapter (AGC) is committed to providing scholarships for students pursuing a career in a construction-related education program at a college/university or technical institute.
​The Sioux Falls Business and Professional Women’s Organization awards annual scholarships to women pursuing a post-secondary education. Both traditional and non-traditional students are eligible to apply. 
Unity Lodge #130 A.F. & A.M., Sioux Falls, SD, will award scholarships each year to Minnehaha and Lincoln County (SD) residents, or direct descendants of a Unity Lodge member, to attend a public or private college, university, or technical school in South Dakota. Successful candidates will demonstrate financial need and scholastic ability. Preference will be given to those having a connection, by blood or marriage, to a member of the Masonic fraternity, living or deceased.
Smithfield Foods is proud to provide educational scholarships to eligible dependents of their full-time or retired employees. Smithfield Foods partners with SDSU, USD, and the out-of-state colleges listed on their site for a scholarship opportunity for students accepted to a partner school.
Must have been a player in the Dakota Alliance Competitive Soccer Program for at least four (4) years and be a current U18 or U19 player. Graduating senior with plans to continue your education. GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
Must be a current or past player with the DASC Recreation Program; Sioux Falls high school soccer team players are eligible for this scholarship if they have previously played with the DASC Recreation Program. Graduating senior with plans to continue your education. GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

summer
​The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. In order to do our part we are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in. The student must be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute. 
High School Seniors living in the USA with Type 1 Diabetes seeking a higher education at an accredited two-or-four-year university, college, technical, or trade school and will select one Sioux Falls student.