Building the Future—One Scholarship at a Time
In the Lake Area Technical College Alumni Magazine, Tracy Buisker, Executive Director of the LATC Foundation and proud Lake Area Tech alumna, shares a powerful story about the life-changing impact of scholarships—because she’s lived it.
“While attending LATC, I was fortunate to receive scholarships that helped ease the financial strain of my education. Today, I have the privilege of helping make that same kind of support possible for our current and future students.” — Tracy Buisker, LATC Alumni Magazine
Each year, the Lake Area Tech Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships—made possible through the generosity of alumni, businesses, and community partners who understand how vital technical education is for South Dakota’s economy.
Scholarships often mean the difference between a dream deferred and a future realized. For many students—whether recent high school graduates, working parents, or career changers—these funds bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, allowing them to focus on their goals without financial strain.
Expanding Access with New Opportunities
In response to rising dual credit course costs, the Foundation recently introduced a new scholarship program for high school juniors and seniors taking college-level classes at LATC. Starting in Fall 2025, these students will be able to apply for scholarship support—helping them get an early start on their technical education journey.
Connecting to SoDak’s Workforce Development Mission
This story embodies what SoDak Renewables’ new Energy Trades Pathways initiative is all about—helping South Dakota students gain the skills and support they need to succeed in high-demand energy and utility careers.
Through this program, SoDak partners with technical colleges like LATC and Mitchell Tech to:
- Fund scholarships in energy operations, automation, and utility programs
- Connect students with mentors across the energy sector
- Build direct hiring pathways into member companies statewide
Together, these efforts are ensuring that South Dakota’s energy workforce continues to grow stronger, smarter, and more connected.
Together, we’re helping students reach their potential and power South Dakota’s energy future—one scholarship at a time.
Read the full article by Tracy Buisker in the Lake Area Technical College Alumni Magazine HERE!
Support the Energy Trade Pathways Program
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