SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It's no secret that South Dakota needs workers, and more than 150 young people who will be filling several jobs received some good news today: They've officially received scholarships to Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls.
Southeast Tech's Hub Auditorium was filled with 167 freshmen who signed up, decided on their majors through the Build Dakota scholarship fund, and are receiving their education at no cost to them.
Southeast Tech, Mitchell Tech, Lake Area Tech and Western Dakota Tech have all participated in the program. They have filled high demand jobs in fields such as construction, engineering, healthcare and welding. Today, Adam Joakim builds highway bridges with the help of Journey Group and used the program to earn a degree in construction management.
“You go into school with no debt and you graduate with no debt,” said Adam Joaquim of Corsica, who is scheduled to graduate in 2023.
The scholarship program was launched 10 years ago with $25 million in funding from the state and $25 million from T. Denny Sanford and now receives funding from dozens of businesses, large and small.
First Premier CEO Dana Dykhouse serves as chair of the Build Dakota scholarship committee.
“This class, when it's finished across the state, will create over 4,000 skilled workers in our workforce. 4,000 is an incredible number. We've awarded over $43 million in scholarships over the last 10 years, and it's all thanks to our industry partners,” Dykhouse said.
Those who run the scholarships say it's a way to train badly needed workers and give young people a start in careers and life.
“I just bought a house yesterday,” Joakim said. “I was able to buy a house with the money I've saved. I also took advantage of the new graduate grants that were recently introduced. The state is doing a lot of great things to help people stay in state and work in South Dakota.”
