Educator Webinar Series

Join us on September 24 at 2 p.m. CT for an informative session designed for educators on the FAFSA, student loans, and the value of higher education. This webinar will provide an overview of the FAFSA application process, strategies to help students access financial aid, and insights into student loan options and responsibilities. We’ll also explore how higher education impacts career opportunities, earning potential, and long-term success. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to guide students and families in making informed decisions about their educational future.

On October 14 at 2 p.m. CT learn how dual enrollment and Fast Track admission open doors for South Dakota high school students! This webinar will cover how students can earn college credit while in high school, the benefits of dual enrollment for academic and career readiness (including Gateway Certificates), and the Fast Track Admission process that simplifies college acceptance at South Dakota public universities. Educators will gain practical tips and resources to help students take advantage of these opportunities and plan for a smooth transition to higher education.

On November 18 at 10 a.m. CT discover the wide range of resources available through Our Dakota Dreams to support students on their path to higher education and careers. This webinar will provide an overview of tools such as college preparation checklists, math pathways advising resources, paying for college resources, scholarship opportunities, and more. Educators will learn how to access and share these resources to help students plan for their future and make informed decisions about education and career goals.

Join us on December 15 at 2 p.m. CT for an essential update designed specifically for educators on the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship — a major financial aid program supporting our high school graduates’ transition to college or technical training. This will be a 90-minutes webinar.

What the webinar covers:

• Scholarship overview

• Upcoming eligibility changes

• Important updates on applications and deadlines

• Effective strategies for helping students navigate the scholarship process from eligibility through renewal.

• Insights into integrating scholarship guidance into your school’s career and college readiness programs.

By attending, educators will be equipped with the latest tools and talking points to support students in leveraging the Opportunity Scholarship for academic and career success in South Dakota.

Join fellow educators on January 13 at 2 p.m. CT for a practical, high-impact session aimed at empowering students and families with scholarship know-how, focusing on South Dakota’s five major state-backed scholarships:

• Build Dakota Scholarship: A full-ride opportunity at one of the four technical colleges for students entering high‑need career programs (e.g., healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, welding). Covers tuition, fees, books, and program expenses. Recipients commit to working full‑time in their field in South Dakota for at least three years post‑graduation.

• Dakota Corps Scholarship: Covers full tuition and general fees for qualifying students entering a critical‑need career (e.g., teaching, engineering, IT, nursing) who agree to stay and work in South Dakota after graduation.

• South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: Awards up to $7,500 per year to academically accomplished SD high school graduates attending an accredited postsecondary institution within the state.

• Freedom Scholarship: The state’s largest need-based award through a public–private partnership (e.g., First PREMIER Bank, Avera, Sanford), helping high-need students access South Dakota postsecondary institutions.

• Jump Start Scholarship: Offers $1,500 for students who accelerate high school graduation and enroll within a year in a South Dakota college.

Join fellow educators on February 17 at 2 p.m. CT to hear technical college representatives highlight new happenings at each state technical college as well as provide any quick reminders on popular academic programs that have additional admissions requirements or fill quickly.

Join fellow educators on February 19 at 10 a.m. CT to hear representatives from the public universities  highlight new happenings at each SD public university as well as provide any quick reminders on popular academic programs that have additional admissions requirements or fill quickly.

On March 16 at 2 p.m. CT equip yourself with the latest strategies to merge career-connected learning and college pathways, bolstered by DLR insights on apprenticeships and in-demand occupations that can sharpen advising and college readiness efforts.

What You’ll Learn

• Apprenticeship Updates from DLR
• Spotlight on Teacher Apprenticeships
• High-Demand Hot Careers
• Math Pathways Advising Tools
• SDMyLife
• High School Dual Enrollment Gateway Certificates