Scholarships for College Students

The South Dakota Bankers Foundation annually offers five named scholarships awarded directly to students attending a South Dakota college who are pursuing a career in banking or finance. Applicants must be in their junior year, entering their senior year of college during the 2026-2027 school year. Please refer to your academic handbook if you need clarification for junior/senior credit qualifications. 

• $4,000 Alan M. Graff Scholarship
• $3,000 David S. Birkeland Scholarship
• $3,000 Herman Lerdal Scholarship
• $3,000 Joyce Hazeltine Scholarship
• $1,500 Deb Gates Scholarship

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. The SDBA also provides a poster if banks would like to help promote the scholarships. 

• Scholarship Application form
• Scholarship Poster

You are also encouraged to check with your South Dakota bank as they may have other scholarships available, both in conjunction with the SD Bankers Foundation as well as other opportunities.

For more information on South Dakota Bankers Foundation scholarships, contact Foundation Executive Director Halley Lee.