Full-Ride Futures: Lake Area Tech Highlights Build Dakota Opportunities

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is opening the door to debt-free education as the latest application cycle for the Build Dakota Scholarship officially kicks off.

Tracy Buisker, Executive Director of the Lake Area Tech Foundation, and Business Partner Specialist Melissa Waldner recently joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss how the program is transforming the workforce in South Dakota. Build Dakota provides a "full ride" for students in high-demand fields, covering everything from tuition and fees to books, laptops, and even professional-grade tools.

"This is a unique opportunity for students to attend college and enter the workforce debt-free," Buisker said. "The program is open to both in-state and out-of-state students who commit to working in South Dakota for three years following graduation. It can truly be life-changing."

The "Stretch the Million" Advantage

A key component of the program’s success at Lake Area Tech is the Stretch the Million initiative. Waldner explained that most Build Dakota scholars are paired with an industry partner—ranging from local "mom and pop" shops to large manufacturers—who cover half the scholarship cost.

In return, the student has a guaranteed job waiting for them the moment they walk across the graduation stage. "The partners really use this as an interview process," Waldner noted. "It's important that students are checking emails and phone calls because it becomes about finding the right fit for both the company and the student."

Record Engagement and Broad Eligibility

The college recently hosted its "Ready, Set, GO!" event, which drew over 170 prospective students interested in the scholarship. Buisker emphasized that the program isn't just for high school seniors.

"We see lots of students that already have a college degree, but maybe it didn't translate to a job in South Dakota," Buisker said. "You don’t have to be 17 or 18; you can be 30 or 40. We want to help people launch their careers and start their lives."

Applications for the Build Dakota Scholarship and all LATC Foundation scholarships are processed through a single universal application on the college's website. The deadline for the current cycle is March 31, 2026.