Area Federal Credit Union (Area FCU) understands the importance of higher education. In order to encourage its pursuit, they are offering five (5) $1,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic school year to Area FCU members attending a two- or four-year post-secondary accredited college or university or a technical/vocational school.
Eligibility:
- Applicants and/or Guardian must be a member of Area Federal Credit Union (Prior to 2026).
- Your account must be in good standing.
- Students must be in good standing with the school in which they are enrolled or have recently graduated from and have a GPA greater than 2.5.
- Students must be planning to attend:
- An accredited college or university or technical/vocational school in the fall upon high school graduation.
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university or technical/vocational school.
Applicable Institutions:
Any two- or four-year post-secondary accredited college or university or a technical/vocational school
Questions:
Allison Maunu
605-725-0661
amaunu@areafcu.org
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
Sioux Valley Energy is offering$20,000 worth of scholarships this year to eligible graduating high school seniors or first-time attendees at an institution of higher education.
Applications are judged on the basis of grades, ACT or SAT test scores, work experience, school activities, volunteer community service and an essay question. The scholarship committee that determines recipients includes two Operation Round Up Board Members, an SVE Board Member, two SVE employees and a school counselor or administrative staff member. The majority of the scholarship funding comes from Operation Round Up funds, with additional funds from Basin Electric Power Cooperative and L&O Power Cooperative.
Applications that are hand delivered must be in one of the SVE offices no later than 4:30 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026. Mailed applications must be postmarked by January 16, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Be a graduating high school senior or first-time attendee at an institution of higher education
- Plan to be a full-time student in an accredited college or vocational technical school this fall
- Be a child or dependent of a Sioux Valley Energy member
- Have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA plus an ACT/SAT score for the four-year college/university scholarship or a 2.5 or higher GPA for the two-year technical college or power line school scholarship
- Provide a written recommendation from a teacher, administrator or counselor
- One winner per family/per year
Applicable Institutions:
All Universities and Technical Colleges
Questions:
800-234-1960
sve@siouxvalleyenergy.com
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 Spaans Legacy Scholarship at Mitchell Technical College is awarded to students within the Animal Science, Ag Business, and Agronomy programs.
Eligibility:
- Must be an Incoming Student
- Must be enrolled full time in Animal Science, Ag Business or Agronomy
- Must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Must complete the online MTC scholarship application
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship provides 25 awards at $10,000 each to be disbursed throughout a student’s collegiate career at South Dakota State University. Like all Horatio Alger Scholarships, the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship assists high school students who have faced great obstacles in their young lives to overcome their adversities, attend a post-secondary institution and achieve success.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior in the United States with plans to enter South Dakota State University no later than the fall semester following graduation.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at South Dakota State University.
- 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.
- Hold a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
Applicable Institutions:
SDSU
Questions:
Lisa Schramm
605-688-4121
lisa.schramm@sdstate.edu
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
