What is the Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship Program?

Overview

The new Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship assists educators who wish to pursue the new Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments at Northern State University. This certificate has been designed to meet the requirements for the Blind or Visually Impaired Endorsement through the South Dakota Department of Education.

Ideal candidates include teachers currently working in general education or special education who seek to expand their professional impact. The program welcomes educators from all grade levels and content areas.

Because the Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments can be completed as a stand-alone credential or serve as a direct pathway into Northern State University's MSEd in Special Education (or paired with one of the other Regental universities' graduate education programs), this opportunity provides a flexible and meaningful way to advance your career while helping to meet a critical workforce need across South Dakota.

Funding

Up to $10,000 (or $5,000 per year, renewable for up to two years) 

**Can be paired with the Reduced Tuition for SD Educators program and is stackable with other scholarships**

Eligibility

To be considered for the Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be admitted to or enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments program at Northern State University

• Demonstrate a strong interest in supporting students who are blind or visually impaired

• Awardees can be full-time graduate students in education or in-service teachers. (Preference may be given to applicants who are currently employed in South Dakota schools or who intend to serve South Dakota students after completing the program.)

Scholarship Application and Deadline

To apply, students will log in to the SD Board of Regents Scholarship Portal.  

Selection Process

A committee will be designated to evaluate the applications. 

Contact Information

BOR Scholarship Office: Contact Us