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 Schellpeper Family Scholarship is a progressive, multi-year award for outstanding high school seniors pursuing health science majors at South Dakota State University (SDSU).
Eligibility:
- Awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year based on GPA and extracurricular activities.
- Students must major in a health science career field.
- At a minimum, students selected must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
Award Breakdown
Progressive amount — $2,000 first year, $3,000 second year, $4,000 third year and $5,000 fourth year for a total of $14,000.
Applicable Institutions:
SDSU
Questions:
Lisa Schramm
605-688-4121
lisa.schramm@sdstate.edu
South Dakota Cattlewomen (SDCW) is dedicated to promoting the beef industry in South Dakota. SDCW will award two – $1,000 scholarships to a young person attending or planning to attend an institution of higher learning in the upcoming semester.
This scholarship can be used at any accredited university, 2 year or 4-year college or technical school.
POSTMARK DEADLINE is JULY 1, 2025. Please go to the linked URL for more detailed information on requirements.
Contact Information:
Brenda Dreyer at 605-290-8223 or bdreyer@midco.net
The Respiratory Therapist Scholarship Program is a financial assistance program for students pursuing a health care career as a registered therapist (RT).
Through this program, tuition of current semester and future semesters (up to $40,000) will be paid directly to the lender or learning institution.
Field of Study Requirements:
Respiratory Therapy
Eligibility Requirements:
Scholarship may be awarded on Financial Need
Applicable Institutions
ANY technical college or university
Contact Information:
Resources Inbox at 605-755-5510 or resources@monument.health
The Nursing Scholarship Program is a financial assistance program for students pursuing a health care career as a registered nurse (RN).
Through this program, tuition of current semester and future semesters (up to $25,000) will be paid directly to the lender or learning institution.
Field of Study Requirements:
Nursing
Eligibility Requirements:
Scholarship may be awarded on Financial Need
Contact Information:
Resources Inbox at 6057555510 or Resources@monument.health
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 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 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
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 SDAHO Enterprises Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Scholarships was established to support undergraduate nursing and allied health professional students currently enrolled or accepted into respective programs at South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) institutions. Apply through the SDBOR Scholarship Portal at www.sdbor.edu/scholarships.
Eligibility:
- Will be a university Junior or Senior in in the Fall semester
- Enrolled full-time in the academic year
- Admitted to their respective program at a SDBOR Institution on or before the Fall of the academic year
- Has lived in or has intentions to live and work in a rural area post-graduation
- Agrees to be present to accept the scholarship (to the best of their ability) at the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations Annual Convention
- Has and maintains a GPA of at least 3.0 while enrolled at a SDBOR university
Applicable Institutions:
Any South Dakota Public University (BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSMT, SDSU, USD)
Questions:
Ryan Sailor at 605-789-4848 or ryan.sailor@sdaho.org
