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 purpose of the Alumni Association of Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship is to promote nursing as a profession and provide financial support to students pursuing nursing careers. This scholarship opens September 20, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Scholarships are available to junior or senior nursing students enrolled in bachelor’s nursing program or students pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.
- The nursing program, in which the applicant is enrolled, must be nationally accredited—such as the National League of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Priority will be given to:
- Applicants who do not hold an RN license
- Alumni children/grandchildren pursuing a degree in nursing
- Sanford Health employees enrolled in nursing.
- Students who are members of the armed forces or who are a veteran
Applicable Institutions:
ANY accredited U.S. institution
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
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
