Lake Area Tech reports 99% job placement for class of 2024 graduates

The Watertown School Board meeting on May 12, 2025, highlighted impressive outcomes for the class of 2024 from Lake Area Technical College, showcasing the institution's commitment to student success and workforce readiness.

During the meeting, it was reported that 99% of the 781 graduates from the class of 2024 have successfully transitioned into employment, further education, or military service. Specifically, 82% of these graduates remain in South Dakota, with 93% employed in their field of study. This reflects a slight decrease from previous years but remains within a strong range, indicating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.

The meeting also provided a preview of the upcoming graduation ceremony for the class of 2025, scheduled for May 16, 2025. With 894 students set to graduate, this marks an increase from the previous year and aligns with the college's goal of producing more graduates annually. Notably, 21% of these graduates will be the first in their families to earn a college degree, underscoring the institution's role in fostering educational advancement within the community.

The graduation ceremony will feature Dr. Jordan Little as the commencement speaker, who will share his inspiring journey from battling cancer to pursuing a career in medicine. This event is expected to draw significant attendance, with approximately 600 graduates participating in the ceremony.

Overall, the meeting underscored Lake Area Technical College's ongoing success in equipping students for their futures and its impact on the local workforce, reinforcing the importance of education in driving community growth and development.