Black Women in STEM

On average, Black women in STEM earn salaries that are 45% lower than their highest-paid peers. BestColleges is committed to breaking down barriers for students in underrepresented communities, who desire careers in the most competitive fields. This year, we’ll be giving away five $6,000 scholarships to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM. This scholarship is for individuals who identify as a cisgender, transgender, or gender non-conforming Black woman, and who are pursuing a STEM-related field.

 

TENTATIVE DEADLINE: July 15, 2025

 

Eligibility:

  • This scholarship is for individuals who identify as a cisgender, transgender, or gender non-conforming Black woman
  • Eligible majors/fields: Biotech, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, Cybersecurity, Biology, Computer Science, Etc.

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Eden Glass at 980-439-0102 or eglass@redventures.com

BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship

Empowering the next generation of leaders with integrity, the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship awards three exceptional South Dakota students with $2,000 each, thanks to support from the BBB Education Foundation.

The scholarship awards three $2,000 scholarships to be used at an accredited college or trade school of choice. Scholarships are awarded following an independent review by a panel of volunteer judges with preference given to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who are first-generation college students.

 

 

Eligibility:

  • Scholarship requires minimum high school GPA of 3.00 to qualify

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Josh Planos at 800-649-6814 ext. 8526 or communications@bbbinc.org

Avera Respiratory Care Sponsorship

Avera offers a sponsorship to individuals planning a career in Respiratory Therapy. $15,000 paid directly to your school, $15,000 sign-on bonus upon hire and up to $10,000 of student loan forgiveness. Individual will provide a 3-year full time work commitment to Avera. To apply, contact Avera’s Career Planning Service to inquire.

https://www.avera.org/careers/career-planning-service/

 

Eligibility:

  • Eligible majors/fields: Respiratory Care or Respiratory Therapy

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Pam Hilber at 6053228955 or pam.hilber@avera.org

Avera Medical Lab Technician (MLT) Sponsorship

Avera offers a sponsorship to individuals planning a career as a Medical Lab Technician in certain locations of Avera. $10,000 paid directly to your school, $10,000 sign-on bonus upon hire and up to $10,000 in student loan repayment assistance. Individuals will agree to a 3 year full-time work commitment to Avera upon graduation. Contact Avera’s Career Planning Service to inquire.

 

Eligibility:

  • Eligible majors/fields: Respiratory Care or Respiratory Therapy

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Pam Hilber at 605-322-8955 or pam.hilber@avera.org

Avera Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) Sponsorship

Avera offers a sponsorship to individuals planning a Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) career at specific locations of Avera. $15,000 paid directly to your school, $15,000 sign-on bonus upon hire and up to $10,000 student loan repayment. Individuals will provide Avera a 3-year full time work commitment upon graduation. Contact Avera’s Career Planning Service to inquire.

 

Eligibility:

  • Eligible majors/fields: Medical Lab Technician

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Pam Hilber at 6053228955 or pam.hilber@avera.org

Build Dakota Scholarship

Build Dakota pays all expenses for students to complete an approved high-need program at one of SD’s four technical colleges. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements to enroll at a South Dakota technical college. This is a work-based scholarship so we are looking for applicants who have explored the career in which they are interested in entering. In return for the full-ride scholarship, our recipients agree to work in South Dakota, in the field paid for by Build Dakota, for 36-months following program completion. High school seniors and non-traditional aged students are all welcome to apply.

 

Eligibility:

  • Eligible majors/fields: Full list of approved programs can be found on the Build Dakota website.

 

Applicable Institutions:

LATC, MTC, STC, WDTC

 

Questions:

Deni Martin at 605-347-1804 or deni@builddakotascholarships.com

2K Annual Drug Rehab USA – Mental Health Scholarship

The Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship is a beacon of support for aspiring mental health professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. We believe in the transformative power of education and the profound influence mental health professionals can have on the well-being of society. The Drug Rehab USA Mental Scholarship is open to students enrolled in any mental health degree program, including but not limited to psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing, and other related fields. Applicants must be committed to making a difference in the field of mental health and demonstrate a passion for improving the lives of others.

 

Eligibility:

  • Eligible majors/fields: Psychology, Counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing and other related fields.

 

Applicable Institutions:

  • ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

  • Randy Palmer at 702-343-2538 or randy@drugrehabus.org

The Lawrence Novotny Scholarship

The Lawrence Novotny Scholarship Essay Competition has chosen to provide scholarships to high school seniors who are heading to college and current college or trade school students. Students of any field of study can apply and are available to those who will attend or are already enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school in the state of South Dakota. One high school senior will be awarded a cash scholarship of $250 and one currently enrolled college student will be awarded a cash scholarship of $500. To apply, applicants must complete a packet of information which will include a completed essay on the following topic: Why is teaching 2SLGBTQ+ history in school important.

 

Applicable Institutions:

ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

Lane Madsen at 712-898-1498 or info@eqsd.org

Equality South Dakota’s Audacity Award

Equality South Dakota’s Audacity Award is a scholarship for 2SLGBTQ+ and allied students who have been engaging in community service and/or activism work that seeks to better the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in South Dakota. This award is available to high school seniors who are heading to college, university, or trade school as well as current college or trade school students in the state of South Dakota. Students of any field of study can apply and are available to those who will attend or are already enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school. One high school senior will be awarded a cash scholarship of $250 and one currently enrolled college student will be awarded a cash scholarship of $500.

 

Eligibility:

Scholarship requires minimum high school and/or college GPA of 2.50 to qualify

 

Applicable Institutions:

ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

Lane Madsen at 7128981498 or info@eqsd.org

Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship

The Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship is awarded to any veteran, Guard/Reserve, or active duty military service member who has demonstrated exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement. Scholarship will open 6/27/2024.

 

Eligibility:

Scholarship requires minimum college GPA of 3.00 to qualify

 

Applicable Institutions:

ANY technical college or university

 

Questions:

Jolie Hauck at 605-312-7471 or educationalassistance@sanfordhealth.org