Lake Area Tech Enters 2026 with Record Momentum and $100M Expansion Vision
- Steve Jurrens
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Following a landmark 60th anniversary year, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) President Tiffany Sanderson says the institution is “coming in full steam” into 2026. With record enrollment and a newly released 10-year master campus plan, the college is focused on increasing graduate production to meet an unprecedented demand from industry partners.
Enrollment and Scholarship Milestones
Sanderson reported that LATC concluded 2025 with an all-time high student population, with fall enrollment exceeding 2,300 students. Total enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year is projected to reach nearly 2,800.
To sustain this growth, Sanderson announced that the application window for the Build Dakota Scholarship officially opened on January 1, 2026. The program, now entering its 11th year, offers full-ride scholarships for high-demand fields such as nursing, welding, and diesel mechanics.
“It covers every required expense—not just tuition, but fees, uniforms, and tools,” Sanderson said. She also highlighted the Ready, Set, Go event on January 15, which connects students with industry partners who often sponsor these scholarships in exchange for a commitment to work in South Dakota after graduation.
Expanding the Footprint
Sanderson discussed the college’s proactive approach to regional education, highlighting a new partnership with Avera and the Capital City Campus in Pierre. A new nursing simulation center is set to open in Pierre this spring, allowing hybrid students in central South Dakota to complete labs closer to home.
“Think about a single mom trying to advance her career,” Sanderson noted. “Getting to the Pierre site for labs instead of driving to Watertown 12 times a semester could be a game-changer for her.”
Vision 2030
Looking forward, Sanderson is focused on the college’s $100 million master plan. Following the 2024 opening of the Archway facility, the next priority is a major renovation of the Student Center to create a centralized hub for student services. This expansion is critical as the college projects adding another 1,000 students to its population over the next decade.
