A new scholarship opportunity aimed at strengthening South Dakota’s rural healthcare
workforce is now open for applicants. Horizon Health recently announced the Horizon/Build
Dakota Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, supporting students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving rural communities across the state.
These scholarships are part of Horizon’s Rooted in Rural workforce initiative, focused on
improving healthcare access in 19 rural communities. For the third year in a row, Horizon is
partnering with South Dakota’s technical colleges to offer scholarships in high-need health
fields. Opportunities include licensed practical nurse programs at Western Dakota Technical
College and Mitchell Technical College, as well as dental assistant programs at Lake Area
Technical College. In return, scholarship recipients commit to serving in designated rural clinics after graduation.
Programs like this are an important workforce development tool, supporting students financially while aligning education with real workforce needs. Encouraging local students to train and remain in their home communities helps build a stronger, more sustainable rural healthcare workforce. Employers, educators, and community partners are encouraged to help spread the word ahead of the March 31, 2026 application deadline. To learn more about eligibility, timelines, and how to apply, visit Horizon/Build Dakota Scholarships.
