The state of South Dakota has established a new tech school tuition assistance program for high-demand careers. From CDLs to EMTs and everything in between, the program aims to open more doors for education opportunities.
Individuals on certain assistance programs like SNAP may qualify for a new tuition assistance program operated by the state Departments of Social Services and Labor and Regulations.
Diana Newman is director of admissions at Western Dakota Tech. She said it’s a chance to improve opportunities for students and help meet the states job needs.
“Potential students who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can work with the Department of Social Services to identify them for tuition assistance for some of our 12-month diploma programs here at the college," Newman said. "So, we have some opportunities for some short-term education courses that could take less than a year to complete for students to get into high-need fields in medical fields or trades.”
She said while technical education is a pathway for some, people do get priced out of the chance.
“Identify what careers are in need in our communities to get into those jobs and get into our workforce and begin earning potential earnings for them and their families, to have the skills they need to advance in a career, to achieve educational credentials that better their lives and their family lives,” Newman said.
To find out if you’re eligible, Newman said get in touch with your nearest trade school.
“Any student that’s interested, we want them to get through the admissions process with the college, and then make sure they reach out to their local job services office to identify funding opportunities for them in this program," Newman said. "Get the foot in the door. Give us a call, we can help you through the process."
Other fields like entrepreneurship, dental assistance, and social media marketing are among the fields students can receive financial assistance to study. The deadline to apply is the beginning of the school year.
You can find a link with more details here.