The Yankton College Scholarship Program awards post-graduate scholarships from endowed or restricted funds to deserving students each academic year to use at an accredited educational institution (college/university). The applicant’s name and personal information is first redacted then ranked by the application reviewers on academic merit, leadership potential, good citizenship and exemplary character and for those scholarships with a financial need component. The recipients to receive financial aid are selected anonymously by the highest percentage. The Yankton College Scholarship Committee makes the final recommendations.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must seek a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution.
- Applicant will be given points for relationship(s) based on:
- A) have a family relationship to Yankton College alumni, former faculty or staff; OR
- B) be recommended by a family friend, teacher, pastor or other person with a connection to Yankton College; OR
- C) be a Yankton College graduate or former YC faculty or staff member.
- Applicant must show evidence of high academic ability and promise. Such evidence should include but not necessarily be limited to:
- an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4-point scale
- a composite of 800 on the GRE or equivalent on a nationally recognized graduate admissions test
- leadership in one or more academic or non-academic activity while in college and/or since graduation
- Include 2 letters of reference from a college faculty member or other appropriate person attesting to your scholastic ability, leadership qualities and character.
- Include a leadership statement revealing as much as possible the leadership roles you have assumed during college, at work, in the community or in your church.
- Include undergraduate transcript(s)
- Include a personal statement demonstrating creativity and skill in writing which includes your educational objectives and future goals. Statement must be typed and not exceed one page, double-spaced and use a font size of 10 or more.
Applicable Institutions:
Any Accredited Post-Secondary Institution
Questions:
Melanie Mines at 605-665-3661 or ycoffice@yanktoncollege.org
Each year, the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota (IIASD) awards $20,000 in scholarships to students who recognize the positive impact that service has in their hometowns. Our members are deeply rooted in communities across South Dakota, and this scholarship reflects that same commitment to helping others. This program is designed to uplift the stories of individuals who make a meaningful difference — and the students who notice.
We’re not evaluating GPAs or résumés. We’re looking for students who recognize and value the people around them who make South Dakota communities stronger.
Eligibility:
- Any South Dakota student (high school senior, current college student, or nontraditional student)
- Who will be attending a South Dakota college, university, or technical school this fall
- And who submits their essay through a participating IIASD member office
Applicable Institutions:
Any South Dakota college, university, or technical school
Questions:
Blake Severyn
If you consider higher education the first step toward your aspirations, POET wants to help you get there. POET Never Satisfied Scholarships are open to students enrolled in any accredited two- or four-year post-secondary school, regardless of GPA, and open to Agriculture, Finance, Accounting, Communications, Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resources, or related degree programs or minors.
The POET Never Satisfied Scholarship Program awards up to $75k in total scholarships to students who are Never Satisfied with “good enough” and share POET’s mission to create a brighter future. Both 4-and-2-year accredited universities are eligible to apply. Recipients attending a 4-year university will receive a $5,000 scholarship and those attending a technical university will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Never Satisfied Scholars also receive hands-on networking and learning opportunities with members of the POET team.
We’re looking for individuals whose drive and ambition help them to see the world differently — who take the task of creating change into their own hands. Sound like you? Apply today!
Eligibility:
- Open to high school seniors and current college students (graduate students included)
- Majoring in Agriculture, Finance, Accounting, Communications, Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resources, or related degree programs or minors.
Field of Study Requirements:
Agriculture
Finance
Accounting
Communications
Engineering
Computer Science
Human Resources
Or related degree programs or minors
Applicable Institutions:
Any accredited two- or four-year college
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) manages more than 350 scholarships, connecting students with the generosity of our donors. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and deadline.
To apply, students should visit SDCommunityFoundation.org/Scholarships.
On the SDCF Scholarships tab, they should create a username and password on the For Students link. They will then complete a common application, which identifies the scholarships available for their high school. The system automatically matches students to potential scholarships, and students can review these matches to confirm their eligibility before applying.
Eligibility:
Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and deadline.
Applicable Institutions:
Each scholarship may be applied to various of institutions, including colleges, universities, or technical colleges.
Questions:
Kelly Nelson at 605-224-1025 or
knelson@sdcommunityfoundation.org
The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program is for Native American students provides support for freshman Native American students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agricultural production, agricultural sciences, or a natural resources degree at any postsecondary institution.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota
- Resident of South Dakota or North Dakota
- Demonstrated academic achievement
- High school senior planning to earn a degree in agriculture or natural resources or a related field
Applicable Institutions:
- Any SOUTH DAKOTA technical college or university
Questions:
The South Dakota Engineering Society – Eastern Chapter offers $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing engineering degrees at South Dakota State University or SD Mines. Applications are due by January 16, 2026. Recipients are presented with an award at the Chapter’s Engineering Banquet in February.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must attend a high school within the counties of the Eastern Chapter area. (Eastern Chapter area as found at www.sdes.org.)
- Must plan to attend South Dakota State University or South Dakota Mines in Fall 2026.
- Intended major must be in engineering.
- Must demonstrate the ability to handle responsibility, leadership skills, and academic achievement.
Field of Study Requirements:
Chemical/Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Geological Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Mining Engineering, etc.
Applicable Institutions:
SD Mines
South Dakota State University
Questions:
Zach Severson
605-838-6489
zach.severson@dgr.com
The Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship, sponsored by Travelers Motor Club, is designed to help retain talent in South Dakota to support South Dakota’s agriculture industry.
Eligibility:
- It is open to students from South Dakota, pursuing a graduate degree in research, animal science, agriculture business or agriculture education at an accredited South Dakota school.
- Eligible graduate students include on-campus and distance education students who are pursuing any master’s or doctoral program, agriculture teacher certification program (CERT/FCSC) or graduate certificate program (GCERT).
Applicable Institutions:
Accredited South Dakota Schools
Questions:
Samantha Bowman
6055543022
SBowman@sdfu.org
The SD Farmers Union “Farming For The Future” media challenge offers a scholarship program for college and high school seniors interested in agriculture, aiming to bridge the gap between farm and fork. Participants will develop communication skills and advocate for South Dakota agriculture by sharing personal experiences or exploring agricultural topics through social media. Over seven weeks, students will network with industry professionals and engage in weekly challenges focused on specific agricultural products or issues, earning mini-scholarships and accumulating points towards larger scholarships. The top five participants will also have the opportunity to attend the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention.
Eligibility:
Must be current college student or high school seniors who is interested in agriculture.
Applicable Institutions:
All Schools
Questions:
Samantha Bowman
605.554.3022
SBowman@sdfu.org
The MTC Alumni Legacy Scholarship is designed to benefit the children, grandchildren and siblings of MTC’s alumni.
Eligibility:
An incoming student whose parent, grandparent, step-parent, brother or sister graduated from MTC is eligible to receive this scholarship.
Applicable Institutions:
Mitchell Technical College
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
The generous faculty and staff of Mitchell Technical College contribute to the MTC Foundation to provide these scholarships to MTC students.
Eligibility:
These scholarships are awarded to full-time incoming students each year.
Applicable Institutions:
Mitchell Technical College
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
