(Howard, SD) – For the third year in a row Horizon is offering scholarships to technical colleges in South Dakota.
Applications are open January 1 to March 31, 2026.
Full-ride scholarships are provided to successful candidates through the Build Dakota Scholarship Program. Students studying to receive a technical degree will receive an amount that covers 100% of their tuition, fees, books, technology, and tools. Upon graduation, the student agrees to work at a Horizon Health location for three years.
The mission of Horizon Health is to provide rural communities with access to high-quality, affordable primary healthcare services. These opportunities are grounded in Horizon’s commitment to its Rooted in Rural workforce development program and dedication to growing talent within the communities Horizon serves. By creating scholarships in conjunction with Build Dakota, Horizon is helping to create dynamic careers for those who want to stay in their hometown or local community.
“We are happy to offer this scholarship program for the third year in a row,” said Horizon CEO Wade Erickson. “The first of our Horizon/Build Dakota scholarship students are already studying at Lake Area Technical College while caring for patients at Horizon’s medical and dental clinics. We are happy to see the success of this endeavor come to fruition so quickly.”
Horizon scholarships are available in designated majors for students attending each of the following technical colleges in South Dakota:
- Western Dakota Technical College, Rapid City or Mitchell Technical College, Mitchel SD: One licensed practical nurse scholarship for a student who will serve at one of Horizon’s multiple clinic locations in the southwestern region of the state, following graduation.
- Lake Area Technical College, Watertown: One dental assistant scholarship for a student who will serve at Horizon’s De Smet Dental location following graduation.
The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of investors in Horizon’s Rooted in Rural Program, a vital initiative committed to strengthening the healthcare workforce in Horizon’s 19 communities across South Dakota.
Students must apply for these scholarships through the colleges where it is being offered. Applications are open through March 31, 2026. For more information, visit www.builddakotascholarships.com.