MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Lake Area Technical College officials say the Watertown school is entering 2026 with record enrollment and a long-range expansion plan aimed at training more workers for high-demand careers across South Dakota.
Lake Area Tech reported a fall 2025 headcount of 2,321 students, its highest in the school’s 60-year history, including degree-seeking and dual-credit students.Northeast Radio SD News also highlighted the college’s continued growth and workforce partnerships as the school marked its 60th anniversary in 2025.
The college is promoting the Build Dakota Scholarship as the next application cycle opens, with the scholarship’s statewide application period running through March 31, 2026. Lake Area Tech is hosting “Ready, Set, GO! Build Dakota Day” on Jan. 15 in Watertown to connect prospective students with scholarship information and industry partners.
Regionally, Lake Area Tech and Avera are partnering on a nursing simulation center at the Capital City Campus in Pierre. The college said the upgraded site will support hands-on training closer to home for students in central South Dakota.
President Tiffany Sanderson has also pointed to a 10-year campus plan estimated at about $100 million, with a renovation of the student center listed as an early priority.