Resources & Scholorship Info

    Individual websites to use for scholarship searches:

    SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH ENGINES
    https://studentscholarships.org/#sthash.OmWOveEd.dpbs
    https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships
    https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
    https://www.unigo.com/
    www.collegescholarships.com
    ​ 
    TOP 10 ADMISSIONS TIPS
    1. Take a rigorous academic course load.
    2. Research financial aid options.
    3. Prepare for the SAT or ACT exams.
    4. Develop your ideal college profile.
    5. Review application essay questions.
    6. Do Community service and volunteer work.
    7. Attend college fairs.
    8. Keep your grades strong.
    9. Maintain relationships with teachers who can write your letters of recommendation.
    10. Explore your interests through your classes.

    10 COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS
    1. Don't recycle essays.
    2. Captivate your audience
    3. Be yourself.
    4. Accentuate the positive.
    5. Write in the active voice.
    6. Don't overextend.
    7. Ask people for input.
    8. Leave time for rewriting.
    9. Revise, reword.
    10. Pursue perfection. 

    Alert Scholarship

    Alert Scholarship

    South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

     South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
    If you plan to attend post-secondary school in South Dakota, and have met curriculum requirements in high school (with a grade of a C or better), plus have an overall GPA of 3.0 and score at least a 24 on your ACT, you most likely qualify.

    Build South Dakota Scholarship (FULL RIDE!)

    Build South Dakota Scholarship (FULL RIDE!)
    Eligibility Requirements

    • Interest in the high-need workforce areas
    • U.S. citizen or U.S. national
    • Financial need
    • Demonstrated aptitude through one or more of the following:

    The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) or other industry-recognized certifications in the career area.

    • Technical, dual or concurrent credit courses taken in the career interest area.
    • Career & Technical Education coursework completed in the career interest area.
    • Work-based learning experiences, internships or work experience in the career interest area.
    • Enrolling as a first-time student
    • GPA & ACT  score are not emphasized compared to other scholarships
    South Dakota Scholarships

    SD Opportunity Scholarship, Dakota Corps, or endowed scholarships.  Click on the link above to find out more!
    September Deadlines
    Beauty School Directory $2500 Cosmetology Scholarship

    • Open to students who are 18 years or older at time of application.  Must be attending a qualifying institution or enrolling within a year of receiving the scholarship.  Scholarship is available 4 times throughout the year.
    • September 1st


    October Deadlines
    AES Scholarship:**  **
    -Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study.
    This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility.
    You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.  
    $500
    Deadline 10-08
    ​​Wendy’s Heisman Award

    • Open to student athletes
    • October 19th

    Horatio Alger Association Scholarship

    • Provides financial assistance to students in South Dakota who have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity and who aspire to pursue a bachelor’s degree
    • US Bank Scholarship Program
    • Enter for the chance to win up to $20,000 in U.S. Bank Scholarship prizes 
    • **October 30th **

    South Dakota Farmers Union Scholarship

    • Applicants must attend a college, university or technical school in South Dakota
    • October 22nd

    Coca Cola Scholarship

    • 3.0 or higher GPA
    • Oct 31

    ** **VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship

    • Open to students in grades 9th-12th
    • **The 2021-22 theme is: *America: Where Do We Go From Here? ***
    • Oct 31st

    November Deadlines
    James Cox Foundation
    -$2,500, 5 awards
    - essay, photo submission, and other requirements
    Deadline November 15th
    Anne Ford & Alegra Ford Scholarship 

    • For students with documented learning disabilities (LD) who are pursuing post-secondary education 
    • No Date Yet​

    Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program

    • Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
    • Nov 15th

    SD Elks Vocational

    • Attend a post-secondary *technical *or vocational school
    • Four $1000 awards 
    • Must send hard copy of scholarship 
    • Applications MUST be received by the due date not postmarked!
    • Nov 15th

    Maryknoll Scholarship
    $1,000, 6 awards
    Essay about how you can promote peace.
    Deadline 11-15
    December Deadlines
    Hagan Scholarship

    • **December 1st **

    National Space Club Scholarship
    -$10,000
    -Students must intend to pursue a career in the STEM fields and attend an accredited University
    Deadline December 3rd
    Burger King Scholars
    High school seniors, BURGER KING® employees, their dependent children, spouses or domestic partners in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico can apply to receive up to $50,000 in scholarship awards for the 2019-2020 school year!
    High school seniors must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible, and must be active in their community through volunteering, sports, clubs and/or religious organizations.
    Don’t miss your chance to become a BURGER KING Scholar. Apply today!
    .Deadline is December 15th

    Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Scholarship Program

    NextStepU
    -No essay, no minimum GPA, just register for a chance to win $$
    Deadline December 31st
    **10 THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOU **
    -$1,500
    -Short answer, top 10 list of  reasons why you should receive the scholarship.
    -Deadline: December 31st 
    January Deadlines
    Eastern Chapter South Dakota Engineering Society

    • TBD

    ​*** ***Grow Ag Leaders Sponsored by Monsanto Fund

    • Interested Seniors who are planning on going into an ag-related field of study.
    • $1500.00 Scholarship Opportunity
    • You will need to obtain two farmer endorsements also.
    • Application is due January 1st

    Jackie Robinson
    To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:\

    •  Be a graduating, minority high school senior
    • Be a United States citizen
    • Present evidence of financial need
    • Demonstrate a record of academic excellence
    • Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service
    • Submit an official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year*
    • Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
    • Deadline TBD

    February Deadlines
    Dakota Corps Scholarship
    -Need at least a 27 on your ACT
    -Only certain fields are chosen each year, so check if yours qualifies.
    ​Deadline February 1st

    ***POET ***

    • **Seven scholarships of up to $5,000 **to full-time undergraduate students who will be attending any South Dakota two-year or four-year college, university or technical school
    • no specific degree program requirements and no minimum GPA. We are searching for students who, like POET, are never satisfied with good enough
    • Deadline TBD

    Elks Legacy Scholarship

    • $1000 - $4000 given to students whose parents or grandparents are Elk members 
    • Feb 7th

    Jay Headly Memorial

    • must be a child of a Central Electric Cooperative member
    • pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in an agricultural related field 
    • primary residence must receive electric service from Central Electric cooperative and the applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
    • Deadline: February 1

    Annis I Fowler/Kaden Scholarship
    Scholarship for graduating South Dakota high school seniors to pursue a career in elementary education at a South Dakota public university. University must be one of the following: BHSU, BSU, NSU or USD. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after three years of high school. One-time award. Special consideration is given to students with demonstrated motivational ability, a disability, or who are self-supporting.​

    • 3.0 Minimum GPA
    • Must currently be in high school
    • For residents of the following states: South Dakota
    • Application form required
    • Transcript required
    • Test scores required
    • Essay required
    • Recommendations or references required
    • Deadline February 1

    March Deadlines
    American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships

    • Three scholarships of varying eligibility and award
    • **March 1st **​

    Hatterscheidt Foundation

    • Must be a South Dakota resident and graduate from a South Dakota high school
    • Show financial need and apply for Federal Student Aid through the FAFSA
    • Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Be accepted for admission to Black Hills State University
    • Attend the Spearfish main campus of BHSU full time (minimum 12 credit hours)
    • Deadline March 1

    John and Grace Dickson
    This is a $2000 renewable scholarship.  Eligibility is limited to residents of Aurora County who are graduates of an Aurora county high school and the recipients must attend a SD state supported university.   Applications are available in the scholarship box and online at www.usd.edu** ** - go to future students – Cost and Financial Aid – Freshman Scholarships – Local Scholarships highlighted in the left banner area. 
    Deadline March 1
    Pete Havard Sr. Memorial Scholarship

    • High School Senior pursing a education in diesel and/or related equipment service
    • From Wessington Springs, Plankinton, White Lake, Woonsocket, or Sanborn Central 
    • Get scholarship application from Mrs. Fink
    • March 10

    Better Business Bureau Student Integrity Awards

    • High School senior attend post secondary education
    • Three $2000 Scholarships
    • TBD

    Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship

    • SD Senior planning to attend higher education school. Preference given to applicants pursing history, political science, or water resources
    • **March 10 **

    **Coach Russ Morrell Memorial **

    • Senior with GPA of 3.2 who participates in Extra-Curricular Activities
    • March 15

    Horatio Alger Scholarship

    • Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States
    • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
    • Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
    • Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
    • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
    • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
    • Be a United States citizen
    • Deadline March 15

    Amy P Todd Education Scholarship

    • South Dakota high school seniors​ who will be pursuing ​no less than a bachelor’s degree in early, elementary, or secondary education.
    • Eligible students must have obtained a minimum ​cumulative​ ​GPA of 2.8​. Cumulative GPA will be verified with the student's high school guidance counselor.
    • One ​$500​ scholarship will be awarded per year.
    • Completed application, essays, and letter of recommendation are due 11:59 pm March 15​. Submit all as email attachments to Sara Hopkins at smhopkins7383@gmail.com​. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. (Questions concerning the scholarship may also be directed to the above person.)
    • Decision of the judges is final. Scholarship recipient will be notified no later than April 15.
    • Two $250 payments will be made to the student’s college during the student’s sophomore year
    • Recipient will be contacted prior to the start of the fall semester. At that time, failure to provide college contact information and be in good academic standing will disqualify student for the scholarship and the award will go to the applicant who receives second place consideration.
    • Deadline March 15

    Midstate Communications Scholarship

    • High School Seniors that will graduate in 2022, whose parents/guardians receive telephone service from Midstate.
    • Typed/Double Spaced Essay: If you had the authority to change your school in a positive way, what specific changes would you make?
    • Application is located online/Paper Copies from Mrs. Fink
    • **Deadline TBD  **

    Karst Memorial Scholarship
    The SDACDE is offering Three (3) - $500 scholarships. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage those students concerned with conserving their natural resources by furthering their education in an agricultural related field. The scholarship is available to those attending a four-year college or a vocational college and pursuing an Ag related career.
    Deadline March 31
    Janice M Scott Foundation

    • US citizen or permanent resident of US
    • GPA of 3.0 (out of a 4.0 scale)/equivalent or higher
    • High school senior who will matriculate full-time at a fully accredited four-year college or university within the fifty states or the District of Columbia
    • Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participating in community services or other extra-curricular activities
    • Combined adjusted income of the parent (s) can’t exceed $50,000 
    • Deadline March 31

    Platte Health Center Auxiliary Scholarship

    • For Students who are entering a Medical Field Professional
    • TBD
    • Must be Mailed or Hand Delivered to Platte Medical Clinic (See Mrs. Fink)

    Build Dakota

    • ** **Full ride scholarship for students attending a SD Technical School in a listed high needs area. 
    • March 31st

    Weskota Foundation

    • For individuals entering the health care field
    • Three $600 Scholarships
    • TBD 

    ​April Deadlines
    Eastern Star Scholarship

    •  completed a four year High School education or its equivalent
    • Preference will be given to member of the Order of the Eastern Star, those who have Eastern Star or Masonic Relationships, the child or dependent of a US War Veteran, Citizens of South Dakota and to those attending schools within the State of South Dakota.
    • Deadline April 1

    Inez Taylor Walter Scholarship

    • The Inez Taylor Walter Scholarship Fund was established by Harley Taylor in memory of his sister, Inez Walter who was from the Ipswich area. The scholarship is for high school students in South Dakota. Preference in awarding this scholarship will be given to a student planning on attending a South Dakota or North Dakota college or university in the field of nursing.
    • See Mrs. Fink for a scholarship application
    • Deadline April 1

    ​The Scavengers Journey Scholarship

    • offering one (1)- $250.00 Scholarship
    • High School Senior attending a post-secondary South Dakota College Full-Time for a TBD Degree
    • For a copy of the application, please see Mrs. Fink or click on the title link
    • ***Deadline: April 1 ***

    Donald H Quimby Memorial

    • This scholarship provides a one-time $350 award to a worthy South Dakota high school graduate attending a post-secondary institution.
    • See Mrs. Fink for a scholarship application
    • Deadline April 1

    SD Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship

    • Agree in writing to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical teaching need occupation for five years after graduating from a participating  postsecondary institution;
    • Agree, through a promissory note, that failure to abide by employment requirement above will result in the scholarship being converted into an interest-bearing loan;
    • Attend a participating South Dakota postsecondary institution as and undergraduate enrolled in your final two years of postsecondary education and be fully admitted in an elementary or secondary education program at the institution that is preparing you to work in a
      critical need teaching area;
    • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; and
    • Have a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and an average of 2.8 GPA for all major coursework.
    • Deadline April 15

    Todd Kieffer Scholarship

    • $150 scholarship that will be given at graduation
    • Senior in band or choir
    • Must plan to attend college or technical school
    • Minimum 250 word essay with the topic: "What purpose does music have in my life and how will it be a part of my future?"
    • Deadline April 15

    May Deadlines
    Ron's Market Effort Scholarship

    • Must be a senior graduating from White Lake High School
    • Plan to continue some form of higher education
    • Must have a GPA or 2.0 or Above
    • Student who puts forth lots of effort in many areas of life
    • Must have work experience outside of school
    • Requires a letter with future plans and goals
    • See Mrs. Fink for an application
    • Deadline May 1

    White Lake High School Alumni Scholarship

    • Must be a White Lake High School Senior
    • Must be attending a post-secondary education
    • Scholarship will be awarded at the annual Alumni Banquet
    • Student must be present at the banquet to be eligible to win
    • 200 word essay on "How will graduating from a small school like WLHS help you in the future"
    • See Mrs. Fink for application
    • Deadline May 1

    Bette Haines Nowotny "Press On" Scholarship

    • Demonstrate perseverance and success despite obstacles
    • Show leadership, integrity, academics, extracurricular participation and community service
    • $300 scholarship to be issued to school of choice
    • Personal Application Sheet as well as a 150 word or less essay describing how the students has overcome an obstacle in life
    • See Mrs. Fink for application
    • Deadline May 1

    The Russel Dodds Memorial Scholarship

    • Available to members of the United Methodist Church
    • Must be planning to attend a post-secondary education
    • Must write a summary of what you plan to take while attending the college of your choice and your future plans
    • Deadline May 1

    White Lake Community Grant

    • Must plan on attending post-secondary education
    • See Mrs. Fink for application
    • Deadline May 2

    Terry Severson Wrestler's Scholarship

    • Wrestled all 4 years of high school
    • Been accepted to a post-secondary school
    • One page essay on "What wrestling has taught you"
    • See Mrs. Fink for application
    • Deadline May 2

    PB & J Scholarship

    • Experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed you to perform well academically
    • Evaluated based on essay and letters of recommendation
    • Deadline May 2 (for calendar purposes)
    Out of State Scholarship Links