Permanent Endowment Will Support Students in Skilled Trades Programs for Generations
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is excited to announce the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of South Dakota has generously endowed $25,000 to establish the Dr. Ken Gifford Memorial Scholarship in partnership with Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF). This endowment will provide lasting financial support for WDTC students pursuing careers in skilled trades.
Fittingly announced during National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awareness Month, this investment ensures the scholarship will continue in perpetuity, with an annual $1,000 award beginning in 2026. Eligible students must be enrolled in WDTC’s Architectural and Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Trades, HVAC/R Technology, or Welding and Fabrication programs.
“We are incredibly grateful to AGC of South Dakota and BHACF for their commitment to supporting our students’ education and career paths,” said Andrew Kapelewski, Interim Western Dakota Tech Foundation Director. “Scholarships like this make a meaningful impact by easing financial burdens and helping students complete their education.”
The scholarship honors Ken “Doc” Gifford, a dedicated advocate for AGC of South Dakota and former WDTC President (1982-2000), who passed away in 2020.
According to Kapelewski, with more than 50% of WDTC students qualifying for Pell Grants due to financial need, scholarship funding plays a crucial role in student success.
“Perpetual scholarships provide stability, allowing students to focus on their education and enter high-need, great-paying careers upon graduation,” Kapelewski added. “While the national retention rate for public two-year colleges is 55%, WDTC scholarship recipients have a retention or graduation rate exceeding 90% over the past three years.”
WDTC boasts a 99% job placement rate, with graduates earning an average of $25.05 per hour within six months of graduation.*
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Dr. Ken "Doc" Gifford
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Associated General Contractors of South Dakota
AGC of South Dakota provides a complete range of networking and support services to building, highway and transportation, and utility and infrastructure contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and service providers. AGC of South Dakota is a leader in membership services and benefits, in political action and public relations, and in fostering cooperation and communications within South Dakota’s construction industry.
Black Hills Area Community Foundation
Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) is a registered public charity, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. BHACF empowers donors to make meaningful gifts, supports regional nonprofits, and manages initiatives around key issues. Nonprofits interested in opening an endowment, and receiving a 25 percent match from BHACF, can connect with BHACF at 605-718-0112.
Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
WDTC offers more than 40 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
Ninety-nine percent of Western Dakota Technical College's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military per the WDTC 2023 Placement Report. There were 353 respondents out of 399 graduates surveyed. [*Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Technical College faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDTC students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDTC, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or email Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
