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
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
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
High school seniors or current college students who are planning to (or are currently) attending a post-secondary institution in South Dakota or North Dakota for an agricultural degree/career path are encouraged to apply for the Agtegra Cooperative Scholarship. The Agtegra Cooperative is awarding ten $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors and one $1,000 scholarship to a current college student through this program.
Eligibility:
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Must plan to or attend a 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution in South Dakota or North Dakota
- Must plan to pursue an agricultural degree/program or career field after college graduation
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Field of Study Requirements:
Agricultural degree/program or career field after college graduation
Note: The word “agriculture” does not need to be in their declared major; if the student plans to pursue an ag-related career when they graduate from college, they can still apply! Students should explain their future career plans in the application essay questions.
Applicable Institutions:
All post-secondary institutions in South Dakota and North Dakota
Questions:
Sadie Frey
605-725-8377
sadie.frey@agtegra.com
The CHS Scholarship at Mitchell Technical College provides financial assistance to both incoming and current students (1st and 2nd year students) pursuing agricultural-related degrees.
Eligibility:
- Must complete the Mitchell Tech scholarship application
- Must be enrolled in either the Precision Ag Technology, Animal Science, Ag Business, or Agronomy programs
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
Otter Tail Power Company provides Mitchell Technical College students scholarship opportunities and is an excellent industry partner for the institution providing valuable information and guidance for their programs.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled full time in the Powerline Construction & Maintenance, Electrical Construction & Substation or Wind Turbine Technology program
- Must maintain a GPA 2.0 or higher
- Must complete the MTC Foundation Online scholarship application
- Must be from an Otter Tail Power Company Service Area
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
Northwestern Energy has been an active supporter of Mitchell Technical College through donations of scholarship funds and equipment since 2003. These scholarships are awarded to full-time students enrolled in energy related programs who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Eligibility:
- Applicants can be first- or second-year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Power Line Construction and Maintenance SCADA Wind Turbine Technology – 2 year Natural Gas Technology
- Applicant must complete the MTC online application and submit references if required during the open application periods as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
- Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
Xcel Energy began offering scholarships to students in energy related programs since 2002. Xcel is a longtime supporter of Mitchell Technical College energy programs and has provided much needed equipment and curriculum support over the years. The scholarships are awarded to full-time students enrolled in energy related programs.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be first- or second-year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Power Line Electrical Utilities and Substation Automation Controls/SCADA Wind Turbine Technology
- Applicant must complete the MTC Current Student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship.
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
The Women for Success at Tech Scholarship is a dedicated award established by the Women for Success at Tech group at Mitchell Technical College. This scholarship aims to support and empower female students who are pursuing their education and career goals at Mitchell Tech. Created by women who are committed to fostering success and leadership among female students, this scholarship recognizes academic potential, perseverance, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. It is awarded annually to one or more outstanding female students who demonstrate a strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and a dedication to making a positive impact in their chosen field. This scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a show of support from a community of women who believe in the power of education and in the potential of every female student to achieve success.
Eligibility:
This scholarship opportunity is available to current students enrolled full-time at Mitchell Tech.
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu