(Howard, SD) – Applications are open for the 2025-2026 academic year for scholarships Horizon Health made available through a partnership with the Build Dakota Scholarship Program.
Full-ride scholarships are provided to successful candidates by 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. 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.
“The second year of our partnership with Build Dakota brings us a step closer to the dream of building the healthcare work force of tomorrow,” said Horizon CEO Wade Erickson. “Our communities have entrusted us with the care of their loved ones. We are committed to rewarding that trust by making sure a continuity of care continues now and into the future.”
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: One licensed practical nurse scholarship for a student who will serve at one of Horizon’s multiple clinic locations in the southwestern, central, or eastern part 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. One dental hygienist scholarship for a student who will work at one of Horizon’s dental locations following graduation.
- Mitchell Technical College, Mitchell: One medical assistant scholarship for a student who will serve at one of Horizon’s multiple clinic locations in the southwestern, central, or eastern part of the state, following graduation.
- The ultimate location chosen will be determined based on openings and needs.
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 22 communities across South Dakota. As the state faces an unprecedented shortage of healthcare professionals in the coming years, the Rooted in Rural Program, in partnership with Build Dakota, is a proactive and impactful solution to ensure that our rural communities continue to thrive with quality care. Together, we’re investing in the future of healthcare, right where it matters most.
Students must apply for these scholarships through the colleges where it is being offered. Applications are open through March 31, 2025. For more information, visit www.builddakotascholarships.com.
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About Horizon Health Care, Inc.
For over 45 years, Horizon Health has been providing personalized, affordable, high-quality medical, dental and behavioral healthcare through a rural, community-based network in South Dakota. Horizon is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the medical, dental and mental healthcare needs of South Dakotans in rural, medically underserved areas through over 75,000 patient visits annually. For more information, please visit www.horizonhealthcare.org.
The Horizon Health Foundation was established in 2016 to ensure rural health care access to those in need and provide funding for Horizon Health. Horizon Health Foundation, a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, seeks through responsible activities to encourage and derive sustaining gift support from current and former patients and interested friends, including corporate entities. The Horizon Health Foundation, operating in coordination with Horizon Health, is the duly designated fundraising arm for Horizon Health. In the broadest sense, the purpose of the Foundation is to create an awareness of the financial needs of Horizon Health, which are not provided by patient charges and to systematically implement plans by which dollar needs can be met. For information about supporting our mission go to https://horizonhealthfoundation.com/