Brennan Leines, son of Tracy and Lucy Leines and grandson of Rose and Scott Salmen and Jim Leines was awarded a Build Dakota Scholarship in April. Brennan will be attending Mitchell Technical Institute this fall where he will study heating and cooling. Brennan first applied for this scholarship because he knew that if he was awarded it, that he would be able to focus and feel secure about his future. After completing his education, he will have a job right out of school and will have no student loan debt which will help him build his finances.

The Mitchell Tech heating and cooling program is a five-semester long course. Not only will Brennan be learning how to install and repair AC and heating units in industrial, residential or commercial sites, but he will also receive extensive training in energy management and environmental controls technology which includes renewable energy resources such as geothermal and solar technology.

When asked why Brennan chose this program of study, he said that it is a growing field with a guaranteed job. He became interested in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) because he knows that South Dakota weather tends to be extreme whether it be extremely hot or cold and unpredictable. Repairing and installing air conditioners and heating units in homes becomes a necessity. This will keep Brennan very busy and provide him with job security.

Brennan will be sponsored by Johnson Controls of Sioux Falls. As part of his commitment to the Build Dakota Scholarship partnership with Johnson Controls, Brennan will need to live in South Dakota for three years and then work for Johnson Controls for five years for being his sponsor. Brennan chose to partner with Johnson Controls because his dad, Tracy, works with the company a lot. Johnson Controls was looking for someone that would be able to service this area which was a perfect fit for what Brennan wanted to do once he completes his education.

Brennan would like to thank Johnson Controls for their sponsorship. He is very grateful that he will not have to face any more student loan debt or worry while he is getting his education about how he will handle the debt. When asked where he sees himself in ten years, Brennan said he hopes to be in the process of owning his own home and to be settled in an area. He is good at saving money and hopes to have a nice amount settled away. Brennan is a 2022 graduate of Wagner Community School. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, being outside, playing video games and watching his favorite series on TV.