Dakota Energy believes strongly in the future of area students and takes pride in helping develop rural leaders. To recognize the achievements of students and future leaders, Dakota Energy is offering $6,500 in scholarships to qualifying high school seniors.

Cooperative scholarships:
$1,000 for a future line worker attending Mitchell Technical Institute’s (MTI) Power Line & Maintenance program
$1,000 for a future electrician attending MTI’s Electrical Construction and Maintenance program
Two $1,250 Basin Electric/Dakota Energy scholarships
Four $500 Dakota Energy scholarships for students attending a South Dakota university or technical school

Who is eligible?
To qualify, an applicant’s parent(s) must be a member of Dakota Energy Cooperative. Applicants must plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic record, leadership, school and community involvement, an appraisal from a counselor, advisor, or instructor who knows the student well, and an essay.

How do I apply?
Scholarship applications are available here. Application deadline is January 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.