Outside Scholarships
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
DEWALT Trades Scholarship
Deadline: February 28, 2026
$5,000 Scholarships for Trades Education
Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary school or training program and pursuing a high-demand skilled trade.
- Eligible Locations: United States and Canada.
- Pursuing educational training related to one of the following industries:
- 🔨 Construction – Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry, HVAC, Pipefitting, Welding
- 🏭 Industrial – Maintenance & Repair Technicians, Manufacturing, Plant Operations, Fabrication, Quality Control, Robotics & Automation
- ⚡ Motor / Power – Diesel, Automotive, Small Engine Repair, Power Plant Operations, Generators & Turbines
- 🔧 Mechanics – Automotive Service, Heavy Equipment Operations, Aviation (mechanics, avionics), Fleet Maintenance, Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
- 💡 Technology – Applied Electronics & Controls, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafting, Electrical Engineering, Fire Science, Mechatronics
- Employees and/or spouses or dependents of employees of Stanley Black & Decker or DEWALT are not eligible to apply.
Recipient notifications will be sent approximately 4-6 weeks after the scholarship deadline.
Application Opens: November 4, 2025
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Awards are paid directly to recipient’s school or training center. Please review how scholarship awards can be used by visiting the Scholarship “How it Works” Link on our website.
Lakota Nation Scholarship
Deadline: February 1, 2026
The Sanford Health Lakota Nation Scholarship is awarded to students committed to serving Native American communities, helping them achieve academic success with fewer financial barriers, and empowering them to uphold high standards within their communities.
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, Inc. Scholarship
The Scholarship Committee will only consider applicants who are using the current application.
The recipient/alternate selections and fully completed applications need to be sent to Dacotah Bank by April 1, 2026 in order to be considered. Lake Area Technical College has been awarded 2 scholarship for the 2026/2027 school year at $2,500 each.
To apply for a Hatterscheidt Scholarship, please complete, print, and submit the following form:
Applications are due to LATC by April 1, 2026.
South Dakota Community Foundation Scholarships
Application opens September 15, 2025.
The South Dakota Community Foundation works to simplify philanthropy and help charitable donations do more good within our state.
We manage over $940 million in assets for more than 1,300 endowed funds. We also provide grants and administrative support to nonprofit organizations and serve as a philanthropic resource for donors, advisors, and nonprofits throughout South Dakota.
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
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
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
Women & Giving Scholarship
Help area women and children overcome barriers, increase their opportunities, and achieve their goals with a gift to the Women & Giving program at the Foundation.
Generous donors have allowed our Women & Giving Advisory Committee to award over $475,000 in grants and scholarships to local women and children since 2004.
A gift to Women & Giving can be acknowledged in your name or consider making a gift in honor or in memory of a special woman who has touched your life. Your gift not only shares your appreciation for all she has done but also allows her legacy to continue with all those who benefit from your gift.
Women & Giving Advisory Committee members include Sandy Albertsen, Jan Brooks, Chris Carter, Katherine Danforth, Susan Geyerman, Kathy Holmes, Nancy Linneman, and Julie Ranum.
Apply here
Hearts of Harvestone Academic Scholarship
Deadline: Sept 30, 2025
Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE) is proud to announce that its ethanol marketing and trading partner, Harvestone Commodities, in which GLE owns a minority stake, has created Hearts of Harvestone, a program that provides individual grants and academic scholarships to its producer ownership groups. This year, GLE’s Watertown plant has been selected as the very first Hearts of Harvestone Academic Scholarship recipient, eligible to award a $10,000 scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This scholarship is open to any individual who has graduated high school and is currently enrolled in a college, university, trade, or technical program.
Applicant Eligibility:
· Must be currently enrolled in a college, university, trade, or technical program
· Hold a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours or equivalent)
· The applicant (or their parent) must be a shareholder of Glacial Lakes Corn Processors/Glacial Lakes
Energy and reside in Codington or Hamlin Counties, South Dakota
· See application for additional requirements
Apply here
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
SD Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship applications are now open for the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation 2026 Scholarship Program!
During the 13th Annual Prime Time Gala, set for June 20, 2026, scholarships of $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 will be awarded to five students.
Applications close Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 11:59PM CT. Students enrolled in any post-secondary institution in South Dakota can apply by visiting SDCFScholarships.com.
Agtegra Agriculture Scholarship
Agtegra Cooperative is looking for passionate, driven, and future-oriented leaders ready to impact our growing and changing industry through our scholarship program!
Scholarship Eligibility:
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Must plan to or attend a 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution in South Dakota or North Dakota
- Available to both current high school seniors and current college students who will be enrolled in abovementioned post-secondary institution during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Must plan to pursue an agricultural degree/program or career field after graduation
- Must be a U.S. citizen
2026 Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Download and submit your application below!
Scholarship recipients will be announced in the spring, and money will be distributed to the recipients’ respective institutions in the summer. Recipients will have the opportunity to shadow someone at Agtegra for a day in their area of interest.
Questions? Email us at scholarships@agtegra.com.
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee Scholarship
Deadline: October 10
Dear Students,
We’re excited to share a valuable scholarship opportunity for students pursuing their future!
The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee, in partnership with the Watertown Area Community Foundation, will be awarding four scholarships to area students who are currently enrolled in, or planning to pursue, a two-year or four-year degree program.
These scholarships are designed to recognize and support students who have been actively involved in agriculture, 4-H, and/or the Watertown Winter Farm Show. If you or your family have been consistently engaged in any of these areas, we encourage you to apply!
Available Scholarships:
- Gene and Mary Lois Reichling Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
- Fred Morris Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
- Watertown Winter Farm Show Scholarship – $1,000
- Gary Mack Scholarship – $1,000
Application Requirements:
- Completed application form
- A copy of your current high school or college transcript
How to Apply:
Mail or hand-deliver your application materials by Friday, October 10, 2025 to:
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Attn: Ag Scholarship Committee
PO Box 1113
Watertown, SD 57201
Or hand-deliver to:
1 East Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD 57201
Recognition:
Selected recipients will be recognized at the Annual Farm Business Banquet on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Watertown Event Center. Each recipient will receive a complimentary ticket to the event for themselves and family members.
This is a great opportunity to be acknowledged for your dedication to agriculture and to receive financial support for your educational journey. We strongly encourage all eligible students to apply!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.
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 Scholarships
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
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
Building Trades Technology Outside Scholarships
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
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
Diesel Technology Outside Scholarships
Ford Auto Tech Scholarship
Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship Program is uniquely designed to support students pursuing a career in auto, diesel or, auto/diesel technology by awarding $5,000 in scholarships. This needs-based scholarship provides funding that can be used towards tuition, transportation expenses, childcare, tools for class, and more! LNESC remains committed to making the dream of college a reality. Our partnership with Ford Philanthropy and the TechForce Foundation reflects this mission through this fund.
Apply here
Energy Operations Outside Scholarships
Heavy Equipment Operator Outside Scholarships
Healthcare Outside Scholarships
Banyan Next Generation Healers Scholarship
Deadline: December 2, 2025
At Banyan Treatment Centers, we recognize the challenges faced by individuals balancing work, school, and the pursuit of a career in healthcare, including medical, mental health, addiction treatment, clinical, and social care professions.
Our mission has always been to deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need. We recognize the critical role healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, play in guiding individuals through recovery and fostering overall wellness. To support the next generation of these vital professionals, we are proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship specifically tailored for working students.
* You must be enrolled in the Spring Semester 2026 to receive funds.
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
- Review the list of eligible high schools in our service area
- For complete details including GPA & ACT requirements, see the application for each scholarship.
For more info visit 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/
Med/Fire Rescue Outside Scholarships
Law Enforcement Outside Scholarships
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!
