In addition to the nearly 90 dual-credit classes students can take during the fall 2021 semester at South Dakota State University, the university offers two scholarships for those students. The scholarships are for high school juniors and seniors in South Dakota, including one for low-income students. SDSU had a record 754 students enrolled in dual credit classes for spring 2021 and enrollment for the fall 2021 semester might be higher.

Dual credit classes allow students to receive both high school and college credit for a class. The classes allow prospective college students to take several general education requirements while in high school and perhaps get an idea of what classes to take in college.

Students who have taken dual credit courses have said:

· “Dual credit courses are a helpful way to get a head start on college, and I found my experience very valuable. I would encourage students to take as many dual credit courses as possible while in high school;” and
· “I was very glad I took all the courses that I did through dual credit. It took up some space in my high school schedule and allowed me more space in my schedule at college. It also put me much further ahead once I got to college.”

The Jackrabbit Access College Early First Bank & Trust Scholarship is available to qualified high school juniors and seniors from low-income families.

There is also the Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to all students who enroll at SDSU following high school after earning dual credits from SDSU. For more information on both, visit https:///www.visit sdstate.edu/ace.

Since the reduced tuition program began in fall 2014, the dual-credit student enrollment at SDSU has grown more than five times. In addition to the cost savings students receive through this program, they become familiar with the expectations of being a college student and have increased confidence as a college freshman. Credits earned through SDSU dual credit classes may be eligible to transfer to other institutions.

Based on the student’s desired area of study, SDSU has identified five options that will guide them in choosing the courses that will help them get started on their chosen academic path. They are:
· Option 1: Agricultural and natural sciences.
· Option 2: Education, social sciences and management.
· Option 3: Engineering, technology and mathematics.
· Option 4: Health sciences.
· Option 5: Humanities, fine arts and design.

“Dual credit classes serve the fundamental mission of South Dakota State University by providing access to the educational benefits of higher education for the citizens of South Dakota,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn. “We want the young people in the state to have the opportunity to explore all options for postsecondary education. The scholarship opportunities open more doors for dual-credit students to participate in higher education. More importantly, getting these students to see early on in high school that they can be successful in college helps them make informed decisions about their exciting futures.”

Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship
High school juniors and seniors who qualify for the Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship receive a scholarship that funds one dual credit course (up to five credits) each semester of their junior and senior year of high school and the summer between their junior and senior year. Textbooks are also covered for that one course.

Eligible students for the Jackrabbit ACE First Bank and Trust Scholarship must meet one of the following:
• Enrolled in or eligible for a federal free or reduced lunch program at school based on the USDA income levels.
• Enrolled in Supplemental Security Income.
• Enrolled in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
• Enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Enrolled in Special Supplemental Assistance Program (WIC).

Students eligible for the Jackrabbit ACE First Bank & Trust Scholarship can choose to pay for additional dual credit courses and would also be eligible for the Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship, if they enroll at SDSU as a college freshman.

“The connection we will make through the dual credit program will also allow us the chance to advise, coach and mentor students as they explore and better understand all the benefits SDSU provides,” said SDSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Michaela Willis.

Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship
The Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship is available for any student who enrolls as a full-time, first-time freshman at SDSU and also earned dual credits from SDSU. The one-year scholarship will be awarded based on the number of SDSU dual credits earned:
• 1-6 credit hours = $500.
• 7-12 credit hours = $1,000.
• 13 or more credit hours = $1,500.
To be eligible for the Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship, students must earn a “C” or higher in all dual credit courses completed during high school and enroll at SDSU as a full-time, first-time freshman.

The Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship does not replace the Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship or other awards. This scholarship would be in addition to other scholarships earned through academic achievement to attend SDSU.

For more information about the available dual credit scholarships, visit http://sdstate.edu/ACE.