Sioux Valley Energy is offering$20,000 worth of scholarships this year to eligible graduating high school seniors or first-time attendees at an institution of higher education.
Applications are judged on the basis of grades, ACT or SAT test scores, work experience, school activities, volunteer community service and an essay question. The scholarship committee that determines recipients includes two Operation Round Up Board Members, an SVE Board Member, two SVE employees and a school counselor or administrative staff member. The majority of the scholarship funding comes from Operation Round Up funds, with additional funds from Basin Electric Power Cooperative and L&O Power Cooperative.
Applications that are hand delivered must be in one of the SVE offices no later than 4:30 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026. Mailed applications must be postmarked by January 16, 2026.
Eligibility:
- Be a graduating high school senior or first-time attendee at an institution of higher education
- Plan to be a full-time student in an accredited college or vocational technical school this fall
- Be a child or dependent of a Sioux Valley Energy member
- Have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA plus an ACT/SAT score for the four-year college/university scholarship or a 2.5 or higher GPA for the two-year technical college or power line school scholarship
- Provide a written recommendation from a teacher, administrator or counselor
- One winner per family/per year
Applicable Institutions:
All Universities and Technical Colleges
Questions:
800-234-1960
sve@siouxvalleyenergy.com
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
Annis Fowler began a teaching career in 1927 that spanned nearly 50 years. She obtained her B.A. from Northern Normal School and eventually specialized in teaching students with various learning disabilities. The primary objective of this scholarship is to promote the education of deserving students who enroll on a full-time basis at one of the South Dakota Board of Regents Universities providing teacher education. Special consideration is given to student who demonstrated motivational availability a disability or who are self-supporting.
Eligibility:
- A 3.0 cumulative high school GPA,
- First-time entering freshman at BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU or USD, and
- Intent to major in Elementary Education (or combination of major/minor with Special Education/Elementary Education)
Selection Process:
The Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship applications will be reviewed and scored by the Board of Regents System Scholarship Committee. The following will be required:
- A completed Fowler/Kaden Scholarship application form,
- An original essay on a topic selected by the donors each year,
- Two letters of recommendation, and
- Official high school transcript.
Applicable Institutions:
- BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU or USD
Questions:
The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program is for Native American students provides support for freshman Native American students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agricultural production, agricultural sciences, or a natural resources degree at any postsecondary institution.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota
- Resident of South Dakota or North Dakota
- Demonstrated academic achievement
- High school senior planning to earn a degree in agriculture or natural resources or a related field
Applicable Institutions:
- Any SOUTH DAKOTA technical college or university
Questions:
The South Dakota Engineering Society – Eastern Chapter offers $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing engineering degrees at South Dakota State University or SD Mines. Applications are due by January 16, 2026. Recipients are presented with an award at the Chapter’s Engineering Banquet in February.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must attend a high school within the counties of the Eastern Chapter area. (Eastern Chapter area as found at www.sdes.org.)
- Must plan to attend South Dakota State University or South Dakota Mines in Fall 2026.
- Intended major must be in engineering.
- Must demonstrate the ability to handle responsibility, leadership skills, and academic achievement.
Field of Study Requirements:
Chemical/Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Geological Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Mining Engineering, etc.
Applicable Institutions:
SD Mines
South Dakota State University
Questions:
Zach Severson
605-838-6489
zach.severson@dgr.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
The Spaans Legacy Scholarship at Mitchell Technical College is awarded to students within the Animal Science, Ag Business, and Agronomy programs.
Eligibility:
- Must be an Incoming Student
- Must be enrolled full time in Animal Science, Ag Business or Agronomy
- Must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Must complete the online MTC scholarship application
Applicable Institutions:
MTC
Questions:
Robin Jacobsen
605.995.7144
robin.jacobsen@mitchelltech.edu
