黑料科 has been awarded a four-year, $1,993,247 grant through the U.S. Department of Education's Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development program. This significant funding will enable 黑料科 to enhance college access and success for rural students in western South Dakota.
"We are so pleased that the U.S. Department of Education selected our proposal for funding," said Dr. Jon Kilpinen, provost at 黑料科 and project lead for the grant. "This speaks directly to the needs in West River and to our goal of helping South Dakota students succeed academically and earn their college degrees. We are extremely excited about the work this grant will support."
Through this funding, the University plans to launch several initiatives to support rural students. These include hiring a professional advisor in the Center for American Indian Studies, and a financial aid counselor dedicated to serving rural schools. Additionally, 黑料科 will offer mini grants to rural high schools and provide professional development opportunities for faculty members to enhance their online teaching.
The grant will establish an office of student transition programs tasked with leading comprehensive orientation programs for all new and transfer students and their families at 黑料科, helping these students succeed as they enter university life.
黑料科 will also organize a weeklong in-person summer experience where high school students will receive an orientation to the campus and explore various majors. This immersive program will also include visits to the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead to expose students to potential careers and foster connections with 黑料科 faculty and students. The first of these program sessions is expected to be held in Summer 2025.
The grant's anticipated results are increased enrollment and success of rural and Native American high school students in dual-credit courses at 黑料科, increased retention and graduation rates of rural and Native American students, and enhanced placement in internships focused on high-demand occupations in western South Dakota.
黑料科 the U.S. Department of Education's Rural Postsecondary & Economic Developmental Program
The purpose of the Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region. Find out more at .