Outside Scholarships
- Scholarships Listings
- Expert Scholarship Tips & Top Search Engines
- Scholarship Scams Alert Information
Outside Scholarship Processing
Do you have an outside scholarship? The Lake Area Tech Foundation Office processes all outside scholarships that students receive from private and nonprofit institutions, corporations, or other organizations. Students with an outside scholarship should bring their check or copy of the award letter to the Foundation office to ensure it is applied to their account.
Students with an outside scholarship shall complete the Outside Scholarships Form on MyPortal (use your Lake Area Tech log-in credentials).
Outside Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to internal scholarship opportunities offered through Lake Area Tech, there are many outside scholarships* offered to students attending college by local, regional, state, and nationwide businesses and organizations. Our Financial Aid office at Lake Area Tech has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities below that are available to incoming and returning students. Students wishing to apply for one or more of these scholarships will need to apply for each scholarship individually. It takes a fair amount of time to apply, however the payoff can be tremendous!
*Disclaimer: This information is provided as a service. LATC does not necessarily endorse any of the businesses, organizations, or scholarships listed below. Students are encouraged to research specific scholarships of interest. Please contact the LATC Financial Aid Office for more information.
General Outside Scholarships
Jump Start Scholarship
Deadline: September 1
- Students who graduate from a South Dakota public high school in 3 years or less
- No student who enrolls in any part of 4th year of high school is eligible
- Enroll in an accredited institution located in South Dakota within 1 year of high school graduation.
- Must be a South Dakota resident
- Applicable to first year only
- Dollar amount varies and is based on state’s per student cost to educate
Apply at: https://sdbor.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
Deadline: September 1
- Attend a postsecondary school in South Dakota
- $1,500 for 3 years and $3,000 for final year
- Must be a South Dakota resident
- Eligibility requirements include minimum GPA, minimum ACT scores, curriculum requirements, etc.
Apply at: https://sdbor.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/
Hatterscheidt Scholarship
The Hatterscheidt Scholarship is a one-year award valued at $2,500. This selective application-based scholarship is awarded annually to seniors graduating from South Dakota high schools who meet the following minimum requirements.
The Scholarship Committee will only consider applicants who are using the current application.
- The recipient must be a South Dakota Resident, graduating from a South Dakota High School or Homeschool.
- This is a One-Year scholarship.
- If a student does not attend post-secondary schools for ANY REASON, they will forfeit the remainder of the scholarship.
- The recipient must be planning to enroll in a full-time course of undergraduate study at the institution selecting the scholarship recipients. Applicant must be accepted for admission to the specified school at which he or she is applying for the scholarship. Applicant must be a “full time student” or minimum of 12 credit hours to retain the scholarship.
- The recipient must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Homeschool students must have an ACT score of at least 18 or an equivalent SAT score.
- The quality and appearance of the application will be taken into consideration.
- All students must complete the entire application and provide a complete official transcript and three current letters of recommendation.
- Recipient/alternate selections and fully completed applications must be received by April 1, 2025 or the application will not be considered. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the entire application, including transcripts and recommendation letters, is received. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Applicants must show financial need and must apply for Federal Student Aid.
- Recipients must submit a Thank You to the Board by July 1st or will lose their scholarship.
To apply for a Hatterscheidt Scholarship, please complete, print, and submit the following form:
SDSW Management Association Scholarship
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Early each October, this scholarship announcement is furnished to South Dakota high school counselors and financial aid offices and instructors at post secondary schools. To apply, submit an application letter. The required contents of this application letter are listed below. Application letters must be postmarked no later than January 15 of each year, for the following school year. Further information can be obtained by contacting SDSWMA by phone 605-216-3256 or sending an email to SDSWMA at sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com
Indigenous Education, Inc. – Cobell Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Both merit-based and need-based, the competitive Cobell Scholarship is annual, non-renewable, and available to any post-secondary (after high school) student who is enrolled in full time study and is degree-seeking. Applicants must plan to attend or be attending any nationally, regionally and industry accredited non-profit, public, private institution.
Scholarship awards vary each year | Apply at: cobellscholar.org
American Indian College Fund Scholarships
Deadline: See Website (link below)
The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government.
Learn more/read eligibility criteria: https://www.indian-affairs.org/nativescholarship.html
Mike Rowe WORKS Scholarship
NOTE: Registered Nursing, Dental, Medical Lab and other healthcare programs are not eligible.
We’re looking for hardworking men and women who will keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing–people who will show up early, stay late, and bust their asses to get the job done. It’s not for everyone, but we know hard workers are out there.
The next scholarship cycle launches February 12, 2025.
Visit the website below for guidelines.
American Legion Riders Scholarships
The American Legion provides a variety of scholarships to support higher education for youth.
Apply at: https://www.legion.org/scholarships
or download the application here
Bi Scholarship Opportunity
In an effort to nurture healthy communities and a prosperous society, Utopia Management endeavors to support higher education through this bi-annual $1000 scholarship. Utopia has been a strong supporter of higher education since 2010 through multiple scholarships and employee continuing education grants. Awarded every spring and fall, the scholarship is meant to support dedicated students in acquiring a career-oriented degree.
- FALL Application Deadline: November 1
- FALL Winner Contacted: December 1
- FALL Winner Announced on Site: December 5
- SPRING Applications Open: November 2
- SPRING Application Deadline: May 1
- SPRING Scholarship Awarded: June 1
Apply at: https://utopiamanagement.com/utopia-scholars-fund-application
TC Energy Build Strong Scholarships
Our scholarships are a convenient way to get financial support for school. Now with 750+ scholarships available across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, you could receive a scholarship valued at up to $5,000.
TC Energy is proud to help build strong communities, develop the next generation of community leaders and provide a skilled workforce for our industry.
- Enrolled in a post-secondary institution for the up-coming academic year
- A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Located in a community near TC Energy’s operations or projects
- Would benefit from supplementary education funding
Check out the pre-qualification form here
Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Scholarships
The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation awards more than 150 scholarships each year. Whether you’re a current high school senior, a current college student, or you’re obtaining a general equivalency diploma (GED), their organization offers scholarships to help you achieve your educational goals.
Apply online at https://www.sfacf.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships
South Dakota Community Foundation Scholarships
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. Explore a variety of scholarship opportunities that may be available through the Foundation. For more information on eligibility, application procedures, and available scholarships, please visit the SDCF website:
Agriculture Outside Scholarships
South Dakota Chapter – Soil & Water Conservation Society Scholarship
Deadline: April 15
Past applicants have majored in agronomy, soil science, agricultural systems technology, general agriculture, range science, forestry, agricultural journalism, agricultural education, biology, botany, environmental management, horticulture, park management, and wildlife management. Other majors related to conservation also qualify. For more information select the links below…
Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame
Deadline: May 31
Our scholarships are directed toward the family members of veterans who are interested in rodeo, ranching, farming, sports marketing, or museum studies.
Apply at: mrchof.com/scholarships
Central Plains Dairy Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 7, 2025
Three $5,000 Central Plains Dairy Foundation Scholarships will be awarded annually to students who have successfully completed at least one semester enrolled in a post-secondary college or university (two- or four-year program), pursuing a degree in Agriculture with emphasis in the dairy industry. Preference will be given to applicants in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Automotive Technology Outside Scholarships
AmericanMuscle’s Student Scholarship
Deadline: June 15 for Fall Semester, October 15 for Spring Semester.
Scholarships are restricted to those students pursuing an automotive degree or related field of study. Only students currently enrolled full-time in an American college, Canadian college, automotive engineering program, trade school, technical institute, or high school seniors planning to attend a college or post-secondary institution are eligible to be awarded a scholarship through this program. One scholarship for $2,500 will be awarded twice a year to students pursuing an automotive themed major. One scholarship will be awarded every spring semester, followed by one additional scholarship to be awarded for the Fall semester each year.
Auto Body & Paint Technology Outside Scholarships
Women’s Industry Network Scholarship
Our scholarship program is designed to encourage women with an interest in the industry to continue on that path, as well as equip those who have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing a career in collision repair. Recipients are chosen by our Scholarship Committee based on the applications submitted.
There are currently two award tiers, ‘Stars’ which receive a $500 award and ‘Champions’ which receive a $2500 award. These funds are applied to the tuition for the qualified collision repair program in which they are currently enrolled. In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive essential tools and resources to help them succeed in their program and a pass to virtually attend our Annual Educational Conference. Scholarship applications are accepted each fall and awards are issued each spring.
Qualified applicants are:
– WIN Student Members (Join for Free)
– Currently enrolled in & in good standing with a career college (post-secondary) collision repair program
– Women demonstrating an interest in & commitment to a career in the industry
Apply at: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Scholarship#
Building Trades Technology Outside Scholarships
South Dakota Native Homeownership Full-Ride Scholarship
Tribal-affiliated LATC Building Trades students qualify for this full-ride scholarship opportunity that covers tuition, books, materials, and fees. Applicants must:
Traditional and non-traditional-aged students may apply
Be a 1st or 2nd year LATC Building Trades program student (2024-25 school year)
Be a South Dakota resident
Be a member of a federally recognized tribe
AGC of SD Scholarships
The AGC of SD is deeply committed to a highly educated and trained workforce! Because of this we awarded over $84,000 in 2024 for students pursuing an education in a career field directly related to the construction industry. Applicants must have a good academic standing and be committed to working in South Dakota following graduation.
Fill out just one application to be eligible for these scholarships by April 18th, 2025!
AmericanTrucks Student Scholarship
Deadline: June 15 for Fall Semester, October 15 for Spring Semester.
Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited United States technical institute, 2 or 4 year college or university. With program in construction management, secondary vo-tech school or tuition bearing apprenticeship program in the traditional building trades (e.g. carpentry, HVAC, electrical or related fields of study.) Students pursuing certificate programs, apprenticeship programs, and students currently attending high school and will be attending an accredited school in the next academic year to one of the aforementioned programs are welcome to apply. One scholarship in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded for the Fall semester, and 1 scholarship will be awarded for the Spring semester each year.
Apply Here
Business Outside Scholarships
South Dakota Retailers Scholarship
Deadline: April 15
The South Dakota Retailers Association is accepting scholarship applications for the school year that starts in the Fall of 2025. Scholarships will be awarded to students who intend to enroll in a retail, hospitality or trade-related course of study at a technical college, university, or eligible online program.
Click on the link below to view eligibility requirements and eligible programs.
Link to apply: https://www.sdra.org/scholarships.html
Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Each year, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation is proud to offer the Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship, which honors the memory of Sioux Falls business leaders David Birkeland, Angus Anson, and Roger Hainje. For 2025, the Foundation will award two $6,000 scholarships.
To be eligible, students must be pursuing a degree in business or a business-related field and must live in or maintain residency in Lincoln or Minnehaha County—even though they may attend a school outside the area; or they must attend school in one of these two counties.
Learn more: https://siouxfallsdevelopment.com/spirit-of-sioux-falls-scholarship-application-now-open/
Practice Geeks Scholarship
Deadline: December
Eligibility
Full-time student chasing a diploma in Enterprise, Management, Marketing, Economics or related fields.
A student can apply only once.
Scholarship Requirements
Fill the details the end of the page with Brief essay & email scholarship [at] practicetestgeeks.com
Provide verification that proves you’re currently chasing a qualification in Enterprise, Management, Marketing, Economics or any similar field.
Entry Requirements
Submit a quick essay that won’t go beyond 1000 words telling us all what your reasons running after the career in business or a related field are. Please don’t write it to formal as we’re looking for creative individuals and we’re anticipating to hear your encounters and reasons for choosing the path in business.
Judged On:
– Creativity.
– Vision for the future.
– Field where you chasing a degree.
Scholarship Plan
Total award: $2,500 (one-time scholarship grant for only one student)
Form of award: Mailed in the form of check to your address.
Scholarship link: https://practicetestgeeks.com/scholarship/
Computer Information Systems Outside Scholarships
Butte Electric Cooperative Technical School Scholarships & Apprenticeship Program
Deadline: April 15
Butte Electric Cooperative values leadership development in our service territory by helping our community youth obtain a higher education. This scholarship program is designed to recognize and encourage the achievements of the members and their dependent children.
Butte Electric Cooperative will award a $1000 scholarship to a student currently enrolled in or planning to attend a qualified program below:
- Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
- Power Line Construction & Maintenance
- Utilities Technology-Power Line
- Electrical Construction & Maintenance
- Information Systems Technology
- Energy Operations
- Telecommunications
Additionally, the student will receive a 1000-hour paid apprenticeship with Butte Electric Cooperative.
Link to apply: https://www.butteelectric.com/sites/default/files/Scholarships/BEC_Technical_Scholarship_Application2024.pdf
Energy Operations Outside Scholarships
Butte Electric Cooperative Technical School Scholarships & Apprenticeship Program
Deadline: April 15
Butte Electric Cooperative values leadership development in our service territory by helping our community youth obtain a higher education. This scholarship program is designed to recognize and encourage the achievements of the members and their dependent children.
Butte Electric Cooperative will award a $1000 scholarship to a student currently enrolled in or planning to attend a qualified program below:
- Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
- Power Line Construction & Maintenance
- Utilities Technology-Power Line
- Electrical Construction & Maintenance
- Information Systems Technology
- Energy Operations
- Telecommunications
Additionally, the student will receive a 1000-hour paid apprenticeship with Butte Electric Cooperative.
Link to apply: https://www.butteelectric.com/sites/default/files/Scholarships/BEC_Technical_Scholarship_Application2024.pdf
Heavy Equipment Operator Outside Scholarships
AGC of SD Scholarships
The AGC of SD is deeply committed to a highly educated and trained workforce! Because of this we awarded over $84,000 in 2024 for students pursuing an education in a career field directly related to the construction industry. Applicants must have a good academic standing and be committed to working in South Dakota following graduation.
Fill out just one application to be eligible for these scholarships by April 18th, 2025!
Healthcare Outside Scholarships
Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. Scholarships
Through our strong desire to promote higher education and to provide resources for youth to seek higher education, we award several scholarships to students to be used for the educational costs of attending an institution of higher learning. The scholarships include the following:
- Five $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors within our service area majoring in a health care field with preference given to physician, nursing, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, laboratory techs, respiratory therapy, and radiology/diagnostic imaging fields. Please no dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, chiropractic, or massage therapy.
- One $1,000 scholarship to a currently enrolled college student majoring in:
- Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
- Radiology Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- One $5,000 scholarship to a Pillar III medical student at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Application Process
- Students must live within our service area and plan to return to work within 50 miles of Yankton
- The application for the 2025-26 academic year is open.
- Review the list of eligible high schools in our service area
- For complete details including GPA & ACT requirements, see the application for each scholarship.
Apply online at https://www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com/scholarships/
Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship
Deadline: January 1, 2026
About The Mental Health Scholarship
Eligibility:
Open to students enrolled in any mental health degree program, including psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatric nursing, and related fields.
Applicants must be committed to making a difference in the mental health field and demonstrate a passion for improving the lives of others.
Applicants must have an @.edu email to enter.
Application Process:
- Submit a compelling piece of content (essay, video, artwork, or any creative medium) explaining why you are pursuing a mental health degree and outlining the positive impact you aspire to make.
- Essays should be between 500-800 words, and videos should not exceed 5 minutes.
- Express your passion creatively and authentically.
- Clearly address why you chose a mental health degree and how you envision contributing to the field.
- Must be a current student at any University in the United States, using your student email for eligibility.
- Selection Criteria: A panel of mental health professionals and educators will evaluate submissions based on clarity of purpose, impactful vision, creativity and originality, and a genuine passion for mental health.
Important Details:
- All submissions must be received by Jan 1st, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- The selected recipient will be awarded $2,000 to support their education and journey toward becoming a mental health professional.
How To Enter: Please email admin@drugrehabus.org using your .edu email from the university you are attending.
Learn more about our scholarship here: https://drugrehabus.org/mental-health-scholarship/
Sanford Health Nursing Scholarship
Deadline: April 18, 2025
Award: $1,000 (multiple scholarships available)
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a nursing program (ADN or BSN).
- Required: Resume and unofficial transcript.
- Optional: Letter of recommendation, personal statement.
Key Dates:
- Scholarship Information Session: March 3rd, 2025, at 7 PM
- Application Deadline: April 18th, 2025
Link to apply: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/dbb6e189aa334fdea177a249100172dc
Med/Fire Rescue Outside Scholarships
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 15
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation (Public Charity) has established a scholarship program to assist students who plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical (paramedic or EMT) program at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
Apply here
Law Enforcement Outside Scholarships
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 15
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation (Public Charity) has established a scholarship program to assist students who plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical (paramedic or EMT) program at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
Apply here
Expert Scholarship Tips & Top Search Engines
Additionally, we’ve provided a list of reputable search engines below that may be useful in finding other scholarship opportunities. Please take time to explore the opportunities offered through these search engines. Consider your talents (e.g., academics, athletic, fine arts, etc.) and apply for scholarship in these areas.
- Cappex.com
- Career One Stop
- Chegg
- College Board
- CollegeNet
- Fastweb.com
- GoodCall
- Peterson’s
- Sallie Mae
- Scholarships.com
- TPR – Test Prep Review
- Tuition Funding Sources
Mapping Your Future, a nonprofit organization committed to helping students, families, and schools navigate the higher education and financial aid process, has created a Scholarship Search Tips flier to help you find ways to fund your college education through their free scholarship search tips. It also includes helpful advice on scams.
We know searching for applicable scholarships can be overwhelming! Our best advice is to start in your hometown and explore all of the scholarship opportunities offered there.
Scholarship Scams Alert Information
The internet holds a vast amount of information regarding scholarship opportunities. We caution you, however, to use your discretion as not all sites are reputable (i.e., those that ask for a registration fee and/or offer guarantees). Start with our list!
