South Dakota Creates Technology Council; Proposes Scholarships

In December, Governor Bill Janklow created the South Dakota Math, Science and Technology Council to encourage more interest in math, science, and technology at all levels of education. The council's duties include: identifying major opportunities for coordinating math, science, technology and research efforts; promoting coordination of public and private initiatives in those areas; pursuing federal and private funding; and, identifying ways to create jobs in South Dakota in those areas.



Representation on the council is drawn from South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the state Board of Regents, the state department of economic development, state legislators, and business representatives. The 12 members were appointed by the Governor.



Many states have established S&T councils to spearhead strategic planning or policy development for tech-based economic development (recent Digest articles on other state's councils are listed in the 2000 index: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/Indices/2000index.htm#COUNCILS [expired]). South Dakota provides one of the first variations to tie math, science and technology education directly to state economic development activities.



In a related announcement, Governor Janklow proposed creation of a new multimillion dollar scholarship program as the cornerstone of his 2002 state budget. The Regents Scholarship program would reward high school students who successfully complete a more rigorous curriculum of advanced math, laboratory science, foreign language, fine arts, computer skills, English, and social studies.



School districts in turn would need to offer the courses so their students could be eligible for the scholarships. The scholarships could be used to pay for college, technical school or other post-secondary education. The long-range goal is to prepare more young South Dakotans for higher-paying technology-related positions.



The scholarships would be funded annually from South Dakota's share of the national tobacco settlement. The scholarship would be $1,500 the first year; $2,000 the second year; $2,500 the third year; and, $3,000 the fourth year. Students would need to maintain a 3.0 grade point average and pledge to not use tobacco to remain eligible.



More information is available at: 

http://www.state.sd.us/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewAgencyDocs&AgencyID=23