The Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Marlin R. Scarborough, former President of the South Dakota Board of Regents and a dedicated advocate for higher education, agriculture, leadership, and public service. Established in 1997, the scholarship recognizes outstanding South Dakota public university students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to their future career and educational goals.
Eligibility:
- Attend a South Dakota public university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application
- Have junior standing at the time funding is awarded
Field of Study Requirements:
Open to all fields of study
Applicable Institutions:
South Dakota’s six public universities:
- Black Hills State University
- Dakota State University
- Northern State University
- South Dakota Mines
- South Dakota State University
- University of South Dakota
Questions:
BOR Scholarship Office
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Sanford Health created the Equity in Education Scholarship to support underrepresented and traditionally underserved students pursuing higher education. This one-time scholarship awards $5,000 to students who demonstrate strong character, leadership, academic achievement, service, and community impact. Sanford Health employees and community members are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree
- Have at least one year of study remaining
- Open to current college students
- First-generation Americans, first-generation college students, and non-traditional students (age 25+) are encouraged to apply
Field of Study Requirements:
Open to all fields of study
Applicable Institutions:
Any accredited U.S. technical college, college, or university, including South Dakota and out-of-state institutions
Questions:
Jolie Hauck at 605-312-7471 or educationalassistance@sanfordhealth.org
The Helen Jacobson Cafourek Scholarship was established to support students pursuing nursing careers in South Dakota. In honor of Helen’s legacy, preference is given to single parents, individuals experiencing financial hardship, and those who demonstrate her passion for nursing and family. Ten scholarships of $5,000 are awarded annually and are renewable through degree completion, provided recipients remain enrolled and continue making satisfactory progress in their program.
Eligibility:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Be enrolled in and actively progressing toward an undergraduate nursing degree program in South Dakota
- Be pursuing a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Registered Nursing (RN) degree
- Be a current college student
- Demonstrate financial need
- Preference is given to:
- Single parents
- Students experiencing financial hardship
- Individuals who embody Helen Jacobson Cafourek’s commitment to nursing and family
Field of Study Requirements:
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Nursing (RN)
Applicable Institutions:
Any South Dakota technical college, college, or university offering eligible nursing programs
Questions:
Jolie Hauck at 605-312-7471 or educationalassistance@sanfordhealth.org
The Sanford Health Lakota Nation Scholarship supports students dedicated to serving Native American communities by reducing financial barriers to education and fostering academic success. The scholarship encourages future healthcare professionals to provide culturally responsive care and make a positive impact in Tribal Nations. This scholarship opens October 2, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled full-time in a health care degree program at an accredited U.S. institution and have at least one semester remaining when applications close in February.
Applicable Institutions:
ANY accredited U.S. institution
Questions:
Jolie Hauck at 605-312-7471 or educationalassistance@sanfordhealth.org
1st Financial Bank USA (1FBUSA) created the Financial Goals Scholarship program to celebrate those who recognize the importance of pursuing educational and financial goals. A $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a new winner each month. To enter, students must submit an essay about a personal finance topic in 500 words. Full rules and eligibility can be found at 1fbusascholarship.com.
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a college degree program
Field of Study Requirements:
Open to all fields of study
Applicable Institutions:
Any College or University
Questions:
Scholarship Committee at (712) 251-2030 or scholarship@1fbusa.com
At USD, you can benefit from the Coyote Beginnings program. All first-time freshman students who apply for fall admission to USD are automatically considered for up to $4,000 per year. Coyote Beginnings is available to recipients for up to four years as a full-time student and is based on GPA, standardized test scores and committee review.
Students at USD – Sioux Falls can now benefit from the Coyote Beginnings program. All first-time freshman students who apply for fall admission to USD – Sioux Falls are automatically considered for up to $2,000 per year. Coyote Beginnings is available to recipients for up to four years as a full-time student and is based on GPA and committee review.
The Coyote Beginnings may include a combination of funding from other scholarships or additional sources awarded to you. To receive full consideration, apply to the University of South Dakota by April 1. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed for any remaining funds, if available. No separate application is required for this award—your eligibility will be automatically assessed based on your admissions application.
Eligibility:
- Be admitted to the University of South Dakota as a first-time, degree-seeking freshman
- Graduate from high school (or equivalent) prior to enrollment
- Enroll full time at USD (typically defined as 12 or more credit hours per semester)
- Submit a completed USD admission application (full consideration if application is submitted by April 1)
- No separate scholarship application is required
- Meet academic criteria used for award determination, which may include:
- High school GPA
- ACT or SAT scores (if submitted)
Applicable Institutions:
University of South Dakota
Questions:
Cori Hup at (605) 658-6214 or cori.hup@usd.edu
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
Annis Fowler began a teaching career in 1927 that spanned nearly 50 years. She obtained her B.A. from Northern Normal School and eventually specialized in teaching students with various learning disabilities. The primary objective of this scholarship is to promote the education of deserving students who enroll on a full-time basis at one of the South Dakota Board of Regents Universities providing teacher education. Special consideration is given to student who demonstrated motivational availability a disability or who are self-supporting.
Eligibility:
- A 3.0 cumulative high school GPA,
- First-time entering freshman at BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU or USD, and
- Intent to major in Elementary Education (or combination of major/minor with Special Education/Elementary Education)
Selection Process:
The Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship applications will be reviewed and scored by the Board of Regents System Scholarship Committee. The following will be required:
- A completed Fowler/Kaden Scholarship application form,
- An original essay on a topic selected by the donors each year,
- Two letters of recommendation, and
- Official high school transcript.
Applicable Institutions:
- BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU or USD
Questions:
The Richard Hagen Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarship supports enrolled members of American Indian tribes pursuing higher education in South Dakota. Scholarship recipients may receive up to $6,000 over four years, with funding continuing annually based on eligibility requirements. The Hagen Harvey Scholarship Board determines the number of scholarships awarded each year.
Eligibility:
- Graduate from an accredited South Dakota high school
- Apply within five years of high school graduation or within one year of release from active military duty (if released within five years of high school graduation)
- Be an enrolled member of an American Indian tribe
- Enroll full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester)
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the scholarship period
- Attend a public or non-public accredited university, college, or technical institute located in South Dakota
Field of Study Requirements:
Open to all fields of study
Applicable Institutions:
Public or non-public accredited universities, colleges, and technical institutes located in South Dakota
Questions:
Melissa Bothun at 605-295-0433 or
Melissa.Bothun@state.sd.us
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) recognizes outstanding high school student leaders and provides an opportunity to engage with national leaders while earning a college scholarship. Each year, two South Dakota students are selected to participate in this prestigious national program, which includes Washington Week and a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship.
Eligibility:
- Be a current high school junior or senior
- Demonstrate leadership through elected or appointed positions in student government or other approved organizations
- Complete the application process through their high school
Field of Study Requirements:
Open to all fields of study
Applicable Institutions:
The scholarship may be used toward undergraduate study at an accredited college or university.
Did You Know?
- Only two students from South Dakota are selected each year.
- Students participate alongside peers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.
- Washington Week is held in Washington, D.C., or virtually, depending on program requirements.
- Applications typically open in late August.
Questions:
Contact your high school counselor or the South Dakota Department of Education for additional information about the application and selection process.
