South Dakota students pursuing careers in social work, human services, behavioral health, and related public service fields may qualify for a range of scholarships, workforce incentives, and educational funding opportunities. This resource highlights social work-specific scholarships along with related state and institutional aid programs that may help support your education.
Provider:
NASW SD (National Association of Social Workers – South Dakota Chapter)
Amount:
$500
Best for:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students
Eligibility:
Applicants must be NASW SD members in good standing, currently enrolled in a CSWE-accredited BSW program, and have at least one semester remaining before graduation.
More information:
Provider:
NASW SD (National Association of Social Workers – South Dakota Chapter)
Amount:
$500
Best for:
Master of Social Work (MSW) students
Eligibility:
Applicants must be NASW SD members in good standing, currently enrolled in a CSWE-accredited MSW program, and have at least one semester remaining before graduation.
More information:
Provider:
NASW SD (National Association of Social Workers – South Dakota Chapter)
Amount:
$1,000 each (2 scholarships available)
Best for:
BSW and MSW students with interests in leadership, advocacy, and social justice
Eligibility:
Applicants must be NASW SD members in good standing and currently enrolled in a CSWE-accredited social work program. Selection considers leadership, advocacy work, community involvement, educational performance, and commitment to social justice.
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Amount:
Up to $5,000 per year
Best for:
Current and former foster care youth pursuing higher education or career training
Eligibility:
Available to eligible current and former foster care youth involved in the child welfare system.
Deadline:
August 15 for Fall semester; December 15 for Spring semester
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Amount:
Up to $3,000
Best for:
Youth pursuing vocational or workforce training opportunities
Eligibility:
Intended for eligible youth under the care and supervision of the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Freedom Scholarship Program
Best for:
South Dakota students pursuing undergraduate degrees and planning to remain in the state after graduation
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet South Dakota residency requirements, demonstrate financial need, attend an eligible institution, and maintain academic standing.
Service obligation:
Recipients agree to live and work in South Dakota for a designated period after graduation.
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship Program
Best for:
South Dakota students attending eligible colleges or universities within the state
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Board of Regents
Best for:
Students willing to work in critical-need occupations within South Dakota after graduation
More information:
Provider:
Build Dakota Scholarship Program
Best for:
Students pursuing high-need workforce and technical education programs in South Dakota
More information:
Provider:
Oglala Lakota College
Best for:
Students attending Oglala Lakota College, including students pursuing human services and related fields
More information:
Provider:
Oglala Lakota College
Best for:
Eligible students seeking higher education financial assistance through Oglala Lakota College
More information:
Provider:
South Dakota Community Foundation
Best for:
South Dakota students searching for a broad range of scholarship opportunities
More information:
Review eligibility requirements carefully before applying. Some programs are designed specifically for social work students, while others are broader workforce or student aid opportunities that may still help support your education. Prioritize opportunities that match your degree level, career goals, residency status, and any service commitments you are willing to make. Apply early whenever possible and verify current deadlines and requirements directly with the provider.
This resource was compiled from publicly available information from universities, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and scholarship providers. Funding details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and program availability may change over time. Always verify details directly with the scholarship or funding provider before applying.
