Build Dakota Scholarship

Female radiology technologist looks at a patient who is in a CT tube

Brookings Health System is a proud industry partner of the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund. Build Dakota allows technical college students to enter high-need industry programs and finish school debt-free. As a Build Dakota industry partner, Brookings Health gives medical profession graduates an opportunity to work in Brookings. Areas within Brookings Health that graduates may work include laboratory, respiratory therapy, nursing, surgery and radiology. 

How It Works​

If you receive a Build Dakota Scholarship, you’re one step closer to a successful future. And you’ll be able to get there faster and debt-free. The scholarship supports tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in the eligible technical college programs. Accepting the scholarship means you agree to:​

  • Enroll full-time in a high-need industry program at a South Dakota technical college.​

  • Following graduation, work full-time in your field of study for a minimum of three years in South Dakota.​

Once you are accepted to the Build Dakota program at your technical college, you will interview with Build Dakota industry partners like Brookings Health System. Students who graduate from South Dakota technical colleges have a 98-100% placement rate.​

Who is Eligible​

  • Both in-state and out-of-state students are eligible for the scholarships.​

  • Scholars of all ages are welcome to apply.​

  • U.S. citizen or U.S. national (may be eligible if you have a green card and are eligible for federal financial aid).​

Additional Requirements

  • Must complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid).​

  • Demonstrate aptitude and work-readiness through industry-recognized certifications such as the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is recommended but not required.​ Other examples include:

    • Technical, dual or concurrent credit courses taken in the career interest area.​

    • Career and technical education coursework completed in the career interest area.​

    • Work-based learning experiences, internships or work experience in the career interest area.​

Eligible Programs

As an industry partner, Brookings Health System works closely with Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College and Southeast Technical College to interview Build Dakota recipients. Expand the buttons below to see which programs we work with at each college. 

  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) –1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Medical Assisting – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Med/Fire Rescue – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Medical Lab Technician – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Paramedic – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Registered Nursing (RN) – 1-Year Program, AAS Degree* - To enroll in RN program, must hold active and current LPN license without restrictions. Contact school for details.​

  • Surgical Technology – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree

  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Medical Assistant – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Medical Laboratory Technician – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Medical Office Professional – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Radiologic Technology – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Registered Nurse (RN) — 2-Year Program, AAS Degree*​

  • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology –2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Medical Assistant – 1-Year Program, Diploma​

  • Medical Laboratory Technician – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree

  • Paramedic Science – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Registered Nurse (RN) – 1-1.5-Year Program, AAS Degree* - To enroll in RN program, must hold active and current LPN license without restrictions. Contact school for details.​

  • Respiratory Therapy – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree​

  • Surgical Technology – 2-Year Program, AAS Degree

How Do I Apply? ​

Build Dakota Scholarships open annually from Jan. 1 to Mar. 31.  ​

  1. Apply for admissions at the technical college you're interested in attending.

  2. Go to the Build Dakota Scholarship Application for that technical college. 

  3. Read the college's instructions and apply. 

Please note applications are managed directly through technical colleges. If you wish to apply at more than one school, you will need to create a separate application at each school. An industry partner is not required to apply. Please contact your technical college for application assistance.