HANDS ON-LEARNING. FAST-TRACK PROGRAMS. ONE SMART MOVE FOR YOUR FUTURE.
Trade Secrets
What’s so smart about technical education? Glad you asked.
career-focused classes
fast-track programs
strong employment opportunities
YOU’LL LEARN REAL SKILLS
Technical colleges train you with in-demand skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce. You'll get right to what matters. And, after graduation, you'll be job-ready from day one.
YOU’LL GET STARTED SOONER
Technical colleges are a cost-effective route to career readiness. In one or two years you can work your way toward a diploma or associate degree.
YOU’LL BE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
South Dakota technical colleges have strong ties to businesses across the state. Through these partnerships, you’ll have access to internships, apprenticeships and job placement opportunities, even before you graduate.
Want to see hands-on learning in action? Join Dirty Jobs star, Mike Rowe, for a tour around the state's technical colleges.
REAL STUDENTS. REAL SUCCESS.
“My favorite thing about my career path is the satisfaction that comes from taking a project from start to finish and creating something with my bare hands.”
Mitchell Technical College Scholar
“[The Build Dakota Scholarship] helped me focus on getting my schoolwork done on time and being able to enjoy life outside of school. The scholarship definitely helped my decision by knowing I had a job lined up after college.”
Lake Area Technical College Scholar
“My favorite thing about my career path in healthcare is being able to help others and being a part of their journey.”
- Southeast Technical College Scholar
“The Build Dakota Scholarship helped me make my decision to start college sooner. With the help of this scholarship I’m able to feel financially secure for my family without taking out loans that accumulate interest.”
- Western Dakota Technical College Scholar
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THE BUILD DAKOTA SCHOLARSHIP
There’s more than one path to a high-paying career. With the Build Dakota Scholarship, students can earn a full-ride scholarship at one of the four South Dakota technical colleges.
Students can earn a scholarship one of two ways: through the application process – or by having an industry partner. An industry partner is a business that sponsors students and commits to paying a portion of their program expenses. The student earns a degree, and the employer gains a skilled employee.
Interested in learning more? Discover eligible programs and learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship.