Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship FAQs

How do I apply for the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship?

Current college Sophomores and Juniors interested in applying can visit www.sdbor.edu/applyforscholarships to find the application.  The application typically opens in January with a April 15 deadline. 

What are the initial eligibility criteria to apply for the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship?

• Agree in writing to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical teaching need occupation for five years after graduating from a participating post secondary institution;

• Agree, through a promissory note, that failure to abide by the employment requirement above will result in the scholarship being converted into an interest-bearing loan;

• Attend a participating South Dakota post secondary institution as an undergraduate enrolled in the your final two years of post secondary education and be fully admitted in an elementary or secondary education program at the institution that is preparing you to work in a critical need teaching area; and

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

• Have a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and an average of 2.8 GPA for all major coursework.

What is the Continuing Eligibility Criteria? (Must be maintained by those who are in the program to continue to receive their funding).

• Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

• Be considered a full-time student as defined by the college.

• Make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree.

• Attend a participating South Dakota college.

What statutes are relevant to Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship?

SDCL § 13-55-64 through § 13-55-71

• 13-55-64.   Critical teaching needs scholarship program--Purpose.

• 13-55-65.   Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board.

• 13-55-66.   Basis for critical teaching needs scholarship awards.

• 13-55-67.   Eligible postsecondary institutions.

• 13-55-68.   Critical teaching needs scholarship eligibility criteria.

• 13-55-69.   Grade point average--Written essay or other information.

• 13-55-70.   Amount of critical teaching needs scholarship.

• 13-55-71.   Maintenance of eligibility for critical teaching needs scholarship.

What is the purpose for verifying employment after graduation? 

• Students have a one year grace period from time of graduation to obtain employment

• An employment verification form must be filled out and submitted annual by recipients and their employers

Where can I receive the verification form and reminders to complete the form? 

BOR scholarship staff will send out annual reminders.  However, students should also complete where they want to start repayment or have moved and have a new address. 

• Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship -- Repayment

Use this form if you do not meet the continuing eligibility requirement for the Dakota Corps Scholarship and are required to convert your scholarship to a loan for repayment.

• Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship -- Status/Verification

Use this form to validate your status and employment verification.

How can I contact the scholarship staff? 

For additional information please contact us through this form, Contact Us.