SIOUX FALLS — Southeast Technical College will receive a portion of a $10 million disbursement from the state’s Future Fund in an effort to better invest in at least three of the college’s programs.
Gov. Kristi Noem announced Monday, Jan. 23, that Southeast Tech has received $1.6 million in Future Funds, most of which will directly benefit the college’s licensed practical nursing, mechatronics technology and diagnostic medical sonography programs.
Founded as a result of a recession in the 1980s, the Future Fund supports workforce development and technical assistance programs that train employees and support business recruitment, economic development initiatives and research and entrepreneurial activities. The disbursement of monies from the Future Fund does not require legislative appropriation.
The $1.6 million directed to Southeast Tech comes as a two-for-one match to the roughly $800,000 already put up by the college.
“This equipment will help our technical colleges train our kids and grandkids for the jobs of the future,” Noem said in a statement. “We have some of the best technical colleges in the nation, and we will continue working closely with them to tackle our state’s workforce needs.”
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The Future Funds granted to Southeast Tech come as just a portion of the $10 million Noem spread across the state’s four technical colleges.
Lake Area Technical College in Watertown received $4.7 million to help fund a variety of academic programs including heavy equipment operator, robotics and electronics, precision machining, medical fire rescue and diesel technology.
Mitchell Technical College was also granted $2.3 million for its technician, radiology technology and sonography programs, while Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City received $1.6 million to help fund student housing, classroom furniture and the school’s CDL truck driving program.
South Dakota’s four technical colleges are governed by the South Dakota Board of Technical Education.
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