Your Story.
Their Future.

Lake Area Technical College Foundation

The Lake Area Technical College Foundation was formed in 1992 as an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to encourage and accept private-sector gifts to the College.

Since that time, the Foundation has provided over $1 million in scholarship awards for students and has made substantial investments for facility and equipment enhancements at the College.

Today the Foundation’s focus is on ensuring Lake Area Technical College’s legacy of excellence continues by raising funds through an annual campaign in support of a scholarships, campus expansion and renovation project.

Why Your Support Matters

Whether through an annual gift, a donor-directed contribution, or an endowed fund, every gift helps expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, and support the mission of Lake Area Tech. Together, these investments help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals while building a stronger future for our communities and workforce.

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Mission Statement

Building a Better Lake Area Technical College.

Vision Statement

  • Increase the understanding and appreciation for the College.
  • Create, enhance and expand relationships to support the nation’s best Technical College.
  • Assist the College financially through scholarships, program enhancements and campus improvements.

Why Invest

The Need

  • 86.6% of our students receive financial assistance
  • 70.5% of our students work part-time or full-time while attending Lake Area Tech
  • 33% receive the Federal Pell Grant

Strengthening the State and Region*

  • 99% of our 2025 Lake Area Tech graduates are employed or are advancing their education.
  • 83% of our 2025 Lake Area Tech graduates available to work chose employment opportunities in South Dakota.

Changing Lives & Launching Careers

  • Recent graduates earn 40% more than other new hires in the region!
  • Providing opportunities to enable people to change their lives and launch careers means ensuring programs are current, relevant, and available to those who pursue them.
  • Leadership and partnership will expand emerging technologies for our students and will increase training capacity for current students and future generations.

*Information based on our most current Placement Report.

Types of Support

Invest in Student Success

Your support helps Lake Area Tech provide life-changing educational opportunities, innovative training, and resources that prepare students for successful careers. Donors may choose to support a specific area or contribute where the need is greatest.

Areas that Need Your Investment

  • Greatest Need Fund – Provides flexibility to address the most pressing needs across campus.
  • Scholarships – Helps students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals.
  • Merit Award Program – Recognizes and rewards student achievement and excellence.
  • Equipment & Training Aids – Ensures students have access to current industry-standard equipment and technology.
  • Campus Improvements – Supports enhancements that strengthen the learning environment.
  • Program Support – Provides resources for academic programs, student experiences, and workforce training initiatives.

Endowed Funds

An endowed fund creates a lasting legacy of support for Lake Area Tech students and programs. Endowed funds are permanently invested, and a portion of the earnings is used each year to provide scholarships or support designated programs while preserving the principal for future generations.

  • Typically established with a minimum gift of $10,000.
  • Creates support in perpetuity.
  • Can be named to honor an individual, family, business, or organization.
  • Recognized on the Lake Area Tech Foundation’s Wall of Recognition.

Example of Endowment Impact
A gift of $10,000 can create a lasting impact for students for generations to come. Through an endowed contribution, a $10,000 gift can provide an initial annual scholarship of approximately $500. With careful stewardship and investment growth, the fund continues to support students year after year while preserving and growing the principal.

Over a 20-year period, that original $10,000 gift could award more than $10,000 in scholarships while the endowment itself grows to more than $16,000. This allows the fund to continue supporting future students for years to come, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the original gift. For more information about establishing an endowed fund, please contact the Lake Area Tech Foundation Office.

Donor-Directed Funds

Donor-directed gifts allow contributors to support a scholarship, program, department, or initiative that is meaningful to them. These annual gifts provide flexibility while making an immediate impact on student success and program excellence.

Donors may designate their gifts to:

  • Specific scholarships
  • Academic programs or departments
  • Equipment and training needs
  • Student support initiatives
  • Other areas of interest across campus

This type of giving allows donors to direct their support where they believe it can make the greatest difference while addressing current needs at Lake Area Tech.