If you have a high school senior in your household you are probably wondering what is next for them and for you. Is your student off to a post-high educational training program, such as a technical or a four year college? Maybe they are off to the military, getting a job or maybe staying home with you for another year or longer. If this answer has not already been made and decided, you have probably already started to wonder when the decision will be made. You probably are aware that opportunities are slowly running out. You must be aware that programs are filling up and scholarship opportunities are beginning to to slip away to help pay for post-high school training.

All choices about life after high school have obvious benefits and consequences. Students thinking about going on to more education after high school need to consider the cost involved, the time invested, the job opportunities that come from that education and training and the return on the investment as well. As with all important educational decisions, students, need to do their homework on what they want to do, why they want to do it, where and when. Getting all of your questions answered as soon as possible is very important as time is not waiting for anyone. Seeking out your school counselor for some help with this can be very helpful as well as talking with others you might look up to for advice.

When paying for school, which can cost over $18,000 a year or more, students/parents/guardians need to think about where that money could come from to pay for it, as nothing is truly free in this world. One option for help that past Wagner area students have turned to is the Build Dakota Scholarship Program for area technical colleges. Students who recieve these scholarship end up with all of their tuition, books, computer and/or tools and fees paid for. Students who receive this scholarship also have a good job waiting for them upon completion of their education. Our area is very fortunate to have two similar scholarships available for them. One is known as the Yankton Sioux Tribe and Build Dakota Partnership Scholarship and the other is the Wagner Area and Build Dakota Partnership Scholarship. The senior students at the Marty Indian School, Andes Central and the Wagner High School have been informed of these opportunities during special classroom presentations, recieved an application and informed about the approaching deadlines to apply. As a parent/guardian who is wondering if your child is thinking about this great opportunity, just ask them about it. As with all scholarship opportunities, the deadlines to meet are very important to follow if the student is to be considered. It is important to note that non-traditional students can also apply. For more information about obtaining an application, the application process as well as the benefits and requirements involved please contact Dana Sanderson at 605-491-0804 or danasanderson51@ gmail.com.