SD-FIRST Scholarship Application

Complete this application form and the checklist of required supplemental items below to apply for the SD-FIRST Scholarship Program. Only complete applications that meet all of the checklist requirements will be considered. Scholarship recipients will be selected from a pool of qualified applicants and preference will be given to first-generation students (those who neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree). Scholarship recipients will be awarded a maximum of $5,000 per year based upon qualifications and demonstrated financial need. Scholarships may be renewed for additional years, depending upon eligibility and availability of funds. Selected students are required to participate in all SD-FIRST program activities and maintain program eligibility. Full details of the program can be found at https://www.sdsmt.edu/academics/cocurricular-programs/sd-first.html.

Application Instructions:

Complete the application form below, including a digital signature.
You will need a letter of recommendation. It is suggested that this letter come from someone who knows your academic efforts, leadership potential, and success trajectory. Please contact the person you wish to provide this letter to verify that they will be able to do so by the submission deadline. Enter the name, phone number, and email address of the person submitting the letter. The online system will contact this person via email with instructions for submission and will inform you via email when the letter of recommendation has been submitted.
Write a 300-400 word essay discussing the following topics: your interest in science and engineering, your career goals, and your school, community, and other activities that demonstrate leadership potential. Be sure to include your name on the essay. Save your essay and upload it through this form.
Once each item is complete and submitted, your application will be complete and considered. You will be notified through email on your scholarship status
Application deadline is Friday, August 8, 2025.

Student Information

First Name

Last Name

Birthdate

Email

Please indicate your estimated graduation date from South Dakota Mines.

I verify that:

I am a United States citizen or I hold permanent residence status.

Yes

I am attending South Dakota Mines for the 2025-2026 school year and my cumulative college GPA is at least 2.5.

Yes

I will be enrolled as at least a half-time student (at least 6 credits per semester) at South Dakota Mines for the 2025-2026 school year.

Yes

I have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and had the results sent to South Dakota Mines using school code 003470.

Yes

I give my permission for the SD-FIRST Scholarship Selection Committee to view my admissions material (including my high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores, placement exam results, and activities, organizations, and leadership roles).

Yes

Student Essay

Write a 300-400 word essay discussing the following topics: your interest in science and engineering, your career goals, and your school, community, and other activities that demonstrate your leadership potential. Be sure to include your name on the essay. Save this document and upload here to the online system.

Upload a file (choose file; then click add). The student essay is required before a student's application is reviewed.

SD-FIRST Application-Student Essay