(KXLG – Watertown, SD) The Build Dakota Scholarship Program is thrilled to announce that television personality, author, and advocate for the skilled trades Mike Rowe will visit South Dakota at the end of September to celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary. Rowe, a strong supporter of vocational education, will join the Build Dakota team and community members in showcasing the program’s success over the past decade.
Dana Dykhouse, Chairman of the Build Dakota Scholarship Board, expressed his enthusiasm for Mike Rowe’s upcoming visit. “We are honored to welcome Mike Rowe to South Dakota once again as we celebrate this significant milestone. Mike has been a tireless advocate for the skilled trades, and his support has helped to shine a spotlight on the importance of these careers. His visit is a remarkable opportunity to recognize the achievements of our scholars and to underscore the vital role that vocational education plays in our state’s future,” Dykhouse said.
Since its inception, the Build Dakota Scholarship Program has been dedicated to addressing South Dakota’s workforce needs by providing full-ride scholarships to students entering high-need fields. Over the past decade, the program has awarded nearly 4,000 scholarships, collaborated with over 500 industry partners, and provided more than $21 million in matching scholarships. This initiative has significantly contributed to developing a skilled workforce in the state.
This year, the program proudly welcomes a new cohort of dedicated students who have earned the scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. The complete list of this year’s recipients can be found on the program’s website. Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship Program, shared her excitement for the new group of scholars. “Our 2024-2025 recipients are an exceptional group of individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their chosen fields. These students are the future of South Dakota’s workforce, and we are proud to support them on their educational journey,” Martin said.
The impact of the Build Dakota Scholarship Program over the past ten years is a testament to its partners’ dedication and its scholars’ hard work. As the program celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting vocational education and addressing South Dakota’s workforce needs. “We are excited to see what the next decade holds,” Martin added.
The Build Dakota Scholarship Program was established to provide full-ride scholarships to students entering high-need fields in South Dakota. The program aims to fill the state’s workforce needs by supporting students in their educational pursuits and helping them achieve their career goals. Through partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, the program has significantly impacted the state’s workforce development.
About Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe is a television personality, author, and advocate for skilled trades. He is best known for his work on the television series Dirty Jobs, where he highlighted the importance of vocational education and the skilled trades. Rowe has been a vocal supporter of initiatives that promote vocational education and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the value of these careers.
This celebration of the Build Dakota Scholarship Program’s 10th anniversary with Mike Rowe’s visit underscores the importance of vocational education and the significant impact the program has had on South Dakota’s workforce over the past decade.
