Have you ever stopped to think about the cost of going on to school after high school? Does the cost serve as a roadblock to considering training and education after high school? Before any big decisions or discouragement is even considered, it is important for students and families to gather facts and become informed before decisions are made or to much panic, worry or sleepless nights take over your life.

Gather the facts about what you want to study or get trained in. Know the tuition costs, the fees, the cost of the books and or special tools that might be required along with the cost involved with room and board. Get all the facts, add the costs together and begin looking for a variety of options to help pay for what you want to do rather than dismissing the idea in the start. One mistake big mistake often done in this process is not researching the job market before you even begin. We often hear students say they cannot find a job after graduation or the salary does pay enough to meet their school debt. A logical question for this individual is “why didn’t you look into this well before you choose to go to that school or choose that major to study?” Proper research will help prevent this from happening. This should never happen to a student who does their home work before they begin down that educational road.

In todays world there are many ways to help pay for an education. No student should ever expect someone else to pay their way. Nothing is free in this world and to expect it to be free or I won’t go is a big mistake in thinking and planning a future. Maybe you need to consider a different major course of study or cheaper school. Maybe you should consider joining the military to off set much of the financial burden. Maybe you need to apply for several scholarships hoping to receive one to help in the cost. Maybe personal sacrifice may be needed on your part. Remember, scholarships can be competitive and involve some serious time on your part.

In our area we have several scholarships that are often available through the school counselors office. However, it is always the responsibility of the student to take the initiative to check these out. Some scholarships are also available out in the community as well. Two such scholarship programs in our area involve educational scholarships to attend technical school. We are fortunate in our area to have scholarships partnerships that involve students attending Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College and Lake Area Technical College. These institutions offer the opportunity to earn a two year degree and qualify for good paying jobs when the students has successfully completed the program. The scholarship provides help for two years of tuition, books and fees, which leaves only the room and board expenses to be resolved. Two of these scholarships are known as: The Yankton Sioux Tribe and Build Dakota Partnership Scholarship and the Wagner Community and Build Dakota Partnership Scholarship. High school seniors and non-traditional students who have an interest in a technical education should consider applying for these scholarships. Information about these scholarships and the applications can be obtained from Dana Sanderson at 491-0804. Always ask about deadlines and requirements of all scholarship programs so you can have the best chance of qualifying as all scholarships are time and deadline sensitive.