Quote from President Barry Dunn

Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship Levels the Playing Field for Dual-Credit Students

First Bank & Trust logo

One of the core objectives of the 1862 Morrill Land-Grant Act was to provide higher educational access to the “sons and daughters of the prairie.” 


Financial challenges remain the top reason cited by students for either not starting or continuing a higher education. Growth in scholarship opportunities has mitigated – but not removed – that obstacle. 


In the spring of 2020, South Dakota State University launched a groundbreaking scholarship initiative that will play a critical role in providing that access through the financial partnership with one of the university’s oldest philanthropic partners. Much like the Jackrabbit Guarantee program of years past, this scholarship differentiates SDSU from other institutions of higher education. 


The Jackrabbit Access College Early (ACE) First Bank & Trust Scholarship provides a pathway for students that may believe a college education is out of reach, building greater affinity for SDSU among prospective students as they conduct their college selection process.


The Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship is directed at low-income South Dakota high school juniors and seniors pursuing dual credit courses. The first of its kind in South Dakota, the program aims to remove the financial barrier for high school students that cannot afford the approximately $50-per-credit cost for dual credit courses. Any student who qualifies for a federal free or reduced lunch program, or has a family annual income at or below USDA income levels for those programs, can take dual credit classes through SDSU at no cost to them. 


“First Bank & Trust is among SDSU’s most generous and long-standing financial supporters,” said SDSU President Barry H. Dunn. “These scholarships represent the fundamental mission of South Dakota State University by providing access to the educational benefits of higher education for the citizens of South Dakota. We want the young people in the state to have the opportunity to explore all options for postsecondary education. These scholarships will open more doors to participate in higher education.” 


Dual credit has become an increasingly popular opportunity for high school students to enroll in college courses and earn credit toward a degree while completing their high school requirements. It allows the high school students to experience classes taught by SDSU college professors and lower the cost of earning a four-year degree at SDSU. With dual credit courses, need-based students have the potential to arrive at SDSU with the equivalent of one semester of classes already completed. As of April 1, 2020, students have the chance to sign up for dual credit courses that will put them on solid footing for their college career. Courses available for the scholarship program began in the fall of 2020.


The Jackrabbit ACE Scholarship has been launched by a $500,000 commitment from its named sponsor, First Bank & Trust. This generous commitment not only covers the cost owed by students who participate, but also supports the program for the first five years of its operation. 
Kevin Tetzlaff

“The passionate pursuit of education, and ensuring it is within reach for all who aspire to it, is just part of our DNA,” said Kevin Tetzlaff, President and COO of First Bank & Trust and SDSU alum. “We are pleased to partner with SDSU on the Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship in order to level the playing field for all high school students who choose dual credit courses as a pathway to college success and a fulfilling career.”

 

Since the inception of the initiative, SDSU has strived to spread the word and make students aware of the transformative benefits offered by the scholarship. To increase awareness, the university has worked with high school administrators and counselors to determine methods of outreach and access for junior and senior students interested in participating. 


High school counselors and administrators see the program as a game-changer for students, families, and the state. By allowing students to accumulate college credit before arriving on campus, it increases the odds that the student can complete their degree in four years or less. That, in turn, means less student loan debt and accelerates their time to enter the workforce.


“Through this innovative program, we will have need-based students come to SDSU with the equivalent of one semester of classes already done, and it will be absolutely at no cost to them because of the generous investment by First Bank & Trust,” President Dunn said.


Quote from Kevin Tetzlaff