SDSWMA Vocational Trade Scholarship

About this scholarship

The SDSWMA Vocational Trade Scholarship supports students preparing for careers that contribute to solid-waste disposal, recycling, hauling, reuse, environmental protection, and the technical services those operations depend on. The South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association names heavy-equipment operations, diesel technology, millwright work, environmental technology, welding, and GPS or computer technology as examples of eligible study. Award amounts and the number of recipients change each year because the association distributes the prior year’s scholarship fundraising income; in 2024, four students shared $9,000. Applicants create an application letter rather than completing a web form. The letter must provide permanent contact information, interests and background, employment or extracurricular history, financial need, and educational and career goals. It must be accompanied by the most recent transcript and three reference letters. High-school seniors also include proof of acceptance from the postsecondary institution they plan to attend. SDSWMA emphasizes dedication and future plans rather than awarding solely on GPA. Applications may be emailed to contact@sdswma.org or mailed to the Scholarship Program at 1616 Melody Lane, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401, and must be sent or postmarked by January 15 for the following school year. South Dakota residents attending South Dakota colleges or vocational schools receive preference, but the official rules describe that location factor as a preference rather than an absolute restriction.

Eligibility

• Plan to enroll for the fall semester in a degree, certificate, or comparable vocational program
• Pursue a career in the solid-waste industry or a related supporting field
• Study an eligible trade such as heavy-equipment operations, diesel technology, millwright work, environmental technology, welding, or GPS/computer technology
• Submit an application letter describing contact details, interests, background, work or extracurricular activity, financial need, and future goals
• Include the most recent transcript and three letters of reference
• If applying as a high-school senior, include an acceptance certificate from the postsecondary institution
• Send or postmark the complete application by January 15
• Not be the child or spouse of a current SDSWMA Scholarship Committee member