PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – South Dakotans looking to go into high-demand career fields can receive help paying for tuition and fees from four technical colleges within the state.

Individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may qualify for an employment and training program through Southeast Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Lake Area Technical College, and Western Dakota Technical College. The program was created through a partnership between the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR).

“Our goal is to strengthen South Dakota families. This program empowers individuals to gain the job and life skills they will need for their high-demand career fields. This will broaden their professional opportunities and help them provide for their families,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Matt Althoff. “These skilled workers will continue to contribute to our workforce and help South Dakota businesses succeed.”

Eligible students must be a SNAP recipient, a South Dakota resident, and be enrolled in an approved course or program. They may choose from diplomas, certificates, and courses prioritizing high-wage, in-demand careers such as welding, commercial drivers’ license training, business, healthcare, industrial technology, information technology, and construction. All classes begin Aug. 21.

“These career fields are critical to the state of South Dakota,” Althoff said. “By encouraging smart, capable students to consider these fields we can foster win-win situations for both students participating in this program and employers eager to hire individuals who can contribute to their organization’s work.”

For more information about the tuition-assistance program, individuals can contact the technical colleges offering the program or their Job Service office. View listing of local offices at https://dlr.sd.gov/localoffices/location.aspx.