LAUNCH YOUR DREAM 

    Our Dakota Dream is that every South Dakotan can achieve their dreams – and we know that many of those dreams require education after high school. College certifications can take many forms, and many dreams can be achieved by attending college, which is made more affordable when you receive financial aid. Let’s connect to talk about your Dakota Dream and take the first steps to help make it come true.

    Dakota Dreams Career Exploration Summer Camps 

    Open to all incoming 7th and 8th grade students who are South Dakota residents or attend a South Dakota school every year. 

    Middle school students will have an opportunity to participate in FREE, five-day career exploration camps this summer. Hosted on three South Dakota college campuses, the camps will allow incoming 7th and 8th grade students to experience at least 10 different career paths. 

    Students will be immersed in engaging, hands-on learning. Throughout a week, they will spend time on university and technical college campuses and visit area businesses and industry. By week’s end, campers will have a better understanding of themselves, their career interests, and how their K-12 education prepares them for professions. 

    The deadline for this years camps has passed, but stay tuned for details on next years camps!

    Free Online Tutoring  

    The Dakota Dreams Free Online Tutoring program provides K-12 students in South Dakota free online tutoring. This program will launch at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year and is anticipated to run each afternoon of the seven-day week, excluding holidays. Tutoring will support individual student learning needs, including help with homework and educational concepts.   

    The program will be staffed with 40 university students who have been accepted into the Schools of Education at Black Hills State University and Northern State University. By design, this program equips degree-seeking college students with practical experience, while allowing K-12 students opportunities to flourish in their education.   

    Teacher Leadership Academy 

    The Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy offers eligible teachers a year-long, experience-based learning opportunity to further develop their educational leadership skills. Beginning in academic year 2022-23, two cohorts of 30 students will meet over three instructional days during the school year as well as a three-day period in the summer. Courses will be taught by Professor of Practice faculty (qualified retired superintendents of schools) and guest speakers.