Lake Area Tech’s Class of 2026 Reaches Record Size With 883 Eligible Graduates
- Steve Jurrens
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College’s Class of 2026 is one of the most diverse and far‑reaching in the institution’s history, with 883 students eligible to walk at graduation and representation spanning nearly every corner of South Dakota and beyond.
LATC President Tiffany Sanderson presented the class profile Monday night during the Watertown School Board meeting, highlighting the size, geographic reach, and demographic makeup of this year’s graduates.
“Right before graduation, we had a chance to meet, and I shared with you that we had 883 students who were qualified to walk,” Sanderson said. “Several of them are continuing their final internships or classes this summer, so some may take just a little longer.”
The 883 figure represents the maximum size of the graduating class, with only minor adjustments expected as summer coursework concludes.
Sanderson emphasized the broad geographic diversity of the Class of 2026.
According to the report:
· Students came from South Dakota, plus 13 other states
· Students represented two countries
· 60 of South Dakota’s 66 counties were represented
· Graduates came from 183 South Dakota communities
“They come to us from all over South Dakota and out of state,” Sanderson said. “I always find that interesting.”
The college also noted that in the Class of 2024, one‑third of graduates remained in Legislative Districts 4 and 5, including Codington County — a trend LATC continues to monitor as part of its workforce‑development mission.
One in Five Graduates Is First‑Generation
A significant portion of the Class of 2026 represents students breaking new ground in their families.
“One out of five students — about 20% — was the first in their family to graduate with a college degree,” Sanderson said. “I love that part of the work we get to do, helping students change their trajectory and step out in the world independently.”
The largest graduating groups aligned closely with the college’s strongest enrollment areas:
· Diesel Technology (largest class)
· Agriculture
· Nursing
· Business programs
These fields continue to reflect high workforce demand across South Dakota and the region.
