Gov. Rhoden Announces 618 Build Dakota Scholars
Honors T. Denny Sanford’s Legacy
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced 618 students have been awarded Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. These recipients make up Cohort 12, representing the 12th year of scholarship awards through the Build Dakota program. You can find the complete list of recipients here.
“These 618 scholars represent the future of South Dakota. When we invest in students, we create opportunity for them to succeed, and South Dakota grows right alongside them,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I am grateful for T. Denny Sanford’s leadership and foresight to help launch this program. More than a decade later, we see that vision at work across our state. This year’s scholars are the next chapter of his remarkable legacy.”
This year’s announcement holds special meaning as South Dakota remembers T. Denny Sanford and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. In 2015, his $25 million investment helped launch Build Dakota alongside a $25 million investment from the State of South Dakota. His vision was simple but powerful: invest in students, create opportunity, and build a stronger South Dakota.
5,196 Build Dakota Scholarships have been awarded since the program began. A 2025 economic impact study conducted by Dakota Institute found Build Dakota generated an estimated $235 million in economic output during its first decade, or $4.33 for every dollar invested.
“Denny always believed in people and in South Dakota,” said Dana Dykhouse, Chairman of the Build Dakota Scholarship Board and Chairman and CEO of First PREMIER Bank. “He knew an investment in education could become so much more than a scholarship. Today, Build Dakota is launching careers, connecting students with employers, and creating opportunities that can change families for generations. With industry partners now investing alongside Build Dakota in 90% of our scholars, Denny’s vision continues to grow through people investing in people and in South Dakota.”
The 618 scholars in Cohort 12 represent more than 160 home communities across South Dakota, demonstrating the statewide reach of Build Dakota. The recipients will attend one of South Dakota’s four technical colleges and prepare for careers in some of the state’s highest-demand workforce fields. Scholars commit to living and working in South Dakota in their field of study for three years following graduation.
Businesses, students, and community leaders can learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship program by visiting www.BuildDakotaScholarships.com. Details on eligibility, Cohort 13 (2027) programs, and how to become an industry partner are available online.
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