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
BHSU’s Scholarships of Distinction program awards merit scholarships of $1,000 up to $4,000 per year to qualifying new undergraduate students, while funds are available. Awards are based on Unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT Composite Scores or a Test Optional pathway. First-time undergraduate students only (no prior attendance at any college or university, after high school graduation), and must be seeking a degree from BHSU. February 1st deadline, for the following Fall semester.
TENTATIVE DEADLINE: February 1, 2025
Eligibility:
- Scholarship requires minimum high school GPA of 3.50 to qualify
Applicable Institutions:
- Black Hills State University
Questions:
- Joe Rainboth at 605-642-6343 or Admissions@BHSU.edu
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 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
Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program is for Native American High School Seniors who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota. It is preferred that the student be a high school senior planning to earn a degree in agriculture or natural resources or a related field, though other majors would be accepted. Students can apply using the SD Board of Regents’ Scholarship Application Portal.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be Native American High School Seniors who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota.
- Eligible majors/fields: Agriculture or natural resources or related field (preferred)
Applicable Institutions:
- ANY technical college or university
Questions:
- Kerri Richards at 605-773-3455 or kerri.richards@sdbor.edu
The Annis I. Fowler/Kaden scholarship awards funding to students who are first time freshman and intend to major in Elementary Education. Students can apply on the SD Board of Regents Online Scholarship Application Portal.
Eligibility:
- Scholarship requires minimum high school GPA of 3.00 to qualify
- Eligible majors/fields: Elementary Education – Teaching
Applicable Institutions:
- BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU, USD
Questions:
- Kerri Richards at 605-773-3455 or Kerri.richards@sdbor.edu
The Dakota Corps Scholarship was created to keep young people in South Dakota by giving students financial access to outstanding postsecondary education and encouraging them to remain in South Dakota post-graduation.
Among other requirements – Eligible students must have a 27 ACT and plan to pursue one of the established critical need areas.
Eligible Students can apply using the SD Board of Regents online Scholarship Portal.
Eligibility:
- Scholarship requires minimum ACT score of 27 and minimum high school GPA of 2.80 to qualify
- Eligible majors/fields: Select teacher majors, registered nurse, accountant/auditor, information technology, and select engineering
Applicable Institutions:
Any SOUTH DAKOTA technical college or university
Questions:
Kerri Richards at 605-773-3455 or Kerri.Richards@sdbor.edu
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
