Thirty-eight new high school graduates in the state have been awarded Dakota Corps scholarships to pursue careers in critical-need occupations within the state.
Each year, Dakota Corps recipients receive funding equivalent to the cost of tuition and applicable fees at their postsecondary institution. Once graduated, they are required to enter into a critical-need occupation in South Dakota, with terms of service equivalent to the number of years they received the scholarship, plus one year. The scholarships are supported entirely by private donations.
In our area, Stacey Hopf of Madison is receiving one of the Dakota Corps scholarships to attend Dakota State University in Madison.  Joseph Parsley of Flandreau is receiving a scholarship to attend Northern State University in Aberdeen, and Carli Johnson of Colman is receiving a Dakota Corps scholarship to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.  
Current occupations that qualify for Dakota Corps Scholarship support include teaching K-12 music, special education, or foreign language; teaching high school math or science; working as a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or in other allied health-care fields; or working as a large-animal veterinarian.
The South Dakota Board of Regents administers the Dakota Corps Scholarship program.