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Southeast Tech reports growth in Build Dakota scholarships; cohort 11 awards 172 scholarships
Summary
Southeast Technical College reported an increase in Build Dakota applications and awards for cohort 11, with 172 scholarships awarded and 61 industry partners; the program includes a three‑year post‑graduation employment commitment to sponsoring employers.
Kelly Regotsky, Build Dakota coordinator at Southeast Technical College, told the college board the program awarded 172 scholarships for cohort 11 with 61 industry partners and that applications rose to 499 for the most recent cycle.
"Cohort 11 is launching for the 25‑26, and we saw an increase to 499 applications, and we were able to award a 172 scholarships with 61 industry partners," Regotsky said.
The scholarship program pairs students with sponsoring employers who interview and select recipients. Regotsky described a signing day event and continued advising and support for scholars while enrolled at Southeast Tech.
"Once they get to campus, we really want them to know they have individualized specialized support," Regotsky said, noting Build Dakota students receive regular check‑ins from a student success advisor and a tailored student success seminar.
Board members and staff highlighted student stories presented during the signing day. Regotsky described two students the board heard about: Noah Kickharper, a second‑year land surveying student who proactively secured sponsor support, and Kayla, an electrician program graduate who Regotsky said was the first in her family to complete college.
The program requires students who accept Build Dakota scholarships to work for their sponsoring employer for three years after graduation, Regotsky said. For cohort 11, Regotsky reported the Build Dakota scholarship fund total at about $1.94 million and said industry partner contributions were roughly $1.7 million to $1.8 million.
The board discussed an early childhood track newly added for cohort 11. Regotsky said the city of Sioux Falls helped offset a $10,000 sponsorship fee so eight local day‑care centers could sponsor nine early childhood students this fall.
Board member Gail, responding after the report, said attending signing day was an emotional experience. "It was quite an impressive program," she said.
The board moved to acknowledge Regotsky's report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The Build Dakota presentation included details on the application timeline: employers sign intent October–December; students apply January 1–March 31; employers review and interview applicants during that period. Regotsky also described post‑award supports such as regular advisor check‑ins and a tailored student success seminar intended to help scholars balance sponsored work and coursework.
The board did not take further formal action on program changes at the meeting.
