VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – A priority for the South Dakota Board of Regents and the state’s universities is funding for the “Dakota’s Promise” needs based scholarship. Governor Kristi Noem did not include that in her 2021 proposed budget.

University of South Dakota President Sheila Gestring says it would help more students get to higher education.

Gestring says it is very difficult for students to self fund higher education.

Gestring says they will work with the Governor and legislature on finding ways to authorize and fund the scholarships.

A proposal to fund the program with one million dollars from the general fund failed in this year’s session.