Roadshow Visits

What is Build Dakota?

We are a South Dakota workforce development initiative that offers full-ride scholarships to students attending one of South Dakota’s four technical colleges in a high-need field. In return for the full-ride scholarship, our scholars agree to work in that field, in South Dakota, for 3 years upon completion of the program. We also partner with South Dakota businesses, economic development groups and local community foundations to help them attract skilled talent and sponsor students. Through our fund and these partnerships, we pay for almost $10 million in scholarships annually.

 

What we know after 10 years:

In order to make a difference in South Dakota’s workforce shortage, we need to work at the local level before we will see an impact state-wide. We want to visit with your high school students, parents and businesses about how to use Build Dakota in your community to address your workforce shortage locally. Communities who are using Build Dakota well have active collaboration between high schools, economic development and local businesses.

Why It’s Important to your School and Community:

For students

High School Students and Parents

  • Understand Build Dakota and our mission
  • Receive best practices for applying
  • Explore the opportunity that South Dakota’s workforce shortage creates for them as young people entering the workforce
  • Understand South Dakota’s high-need fields and the importance of considering and exploring these careers

Businesses

  • Use Build Dakota funds to train your own workforce
  • Use Build Dakota as a recruitment and retention tool
  • Connect with potential employees with our program

Employee in hard hat

Two women working

Economic Development

  • Assist your local businesses in identifying needs and developing their own workforce
  • Help your community thrive by increasing participation by students and businesses by supporting their education, but ensuring they have jobs waiting for them upon their return

TO REQUEST A VISIT TO YOUR COMMUNITY

(Complete form)

Roadshow Visit Request Form
Name of High School Contact:
Name of High School Contact:
First
Last
Location of Event:
Location of Event:
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
We are building our calendar geographically to fit in more than one community a day, this preference will be used as a guide for scheduling, but cannot guarantee it will work for our travel schedule.
A community event is more beneficial for the success of the program for your students and community. We will have a separate session with local businesses and invite them to connect with students. Our staff will work with your local economic development staff regarding details.
This presentation is beneficial for all high school students even if they have not indicated an interest in technical education.

Contact Details for Economic Development Group or City Organization

After you submit this form, we will be in touch with you as soon as possible to schedule this event in your community. Contact Deni Martin, deni@builddakotascholarships or 605-347-1804 for questions or further information.