South Dakota Telecommunications Association

2026 Scholarship Application - Application window closes April 17, 2026

Eligibility:
1) A High School Diploma, GED equivalent or will have it at graduation in 2026;
2) Accepted into or attending a multi-year program degree at any accredited technical college or other accredited post-secondary higher education institution in South Dakota for the fall 2026 semester;
3) Majoring in a degree/program or field of study that is useful in the telecommunications or broadband industry or which significantly relies on the use of broadband services and related technologies (examples of majors eligible for this scholarship can be found at https://sdtaonline.com/sdta_scholarships.php); and
4) A customer/member or have a parent or legal guardian that is a customer/member of a SDTA member company.

Previous SDTA Memorial Scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply.

The following materials must accompany your application.

(1) A minimum of two letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters must be from a teacher, instructor or advisor. The other may be from someone who knows you well (but not a family member).
(2) An unofficial transcript.

Send letters and trascript to SDTA at PO Box 57, Pierre, SD 57501. Or email to karasemmler@sdtaonline.com:

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Primary Address *

Primary Address 2

Primary City *

Primary State *

Primary Zip *

STUDENT FULL NAME *

STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS *

STUDENT PHONE NUMBER

STUDENT PRESENT ADDRESS

STUDENT PERMANENT ADDRESS (If different from present address) *

Technical College or other College/University of enrollment *

Serving Telephone Cooperative/Company *

If you were claimed as a dependent by your parent(s)/legal guardian for federal income tax purposes, provide: (i) Parent(s)/legal guardian name (ii) Parent(s)/legal guardian phone and email address (iii) Parent(s)/legal guardian address

1. What is your current or planned area of study and explain how telecommunications or broadband technologies and services are important to your intended profession and will help you as an individual in achieving your career goals?

2. In what community service, leadership development, or other personal growth activities do you participate?

3. What personal habits, traits or characteristics will help you excel in your intended career or profession?

4. Describe five criteria that would need to be met for you to choose to stay in South Dakota after graduation from college.

5. Describe your vision of how high-speed broadband services assist those who reside and work in rural areas with the following: a. Economic and Community Development b. Education c. Healthcare d. Overall Quality of Life

Do you swear the statements in the application are correct and true to the best of your knowledge and belief?

Yes

How did you learn about this Scholarship program? *
Choose up to 4

School

Local Telecom/Broadband Provider

SDTA Website

Facebook

Other

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2026 SDTA Scholarship Application