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SoDak SHRM Scholarship Program

    June 7, 2024

    In recognition of the need for skilled Human Resources professionals to support the workforce within the state of South Dakota, the SoDak SHRM State Council will award one (1) $500 scholarship per academic year to an eligible undergraduate student recipient meeting the following eligibility requirements. Should no eligible applicants apply in a year, the award will not be given.

    Eligibility
    • Current SHRM national member (student or professional) or have submitted application at the time of this scholarship application with proof of membership prior to awarding of scholarship.
    • Current member of a local chapter within the state of South Dakota (including, but not limited to, the following: Aberdeen Area Human Resource Association, Black Hills SHRM, Brookings Area Human Resource Association, Central SD SHRM, Northeast South Dakota SHRM, Sioux Empire SHRM and Southeast South Dakota SHRM)
    • Enrolled in an accredited degree-­‐seeking undergraduate or graduate program within the state of South Dakota
    • Degree program is HR-­‐related (i.e., Business, Psychology, Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, etc.)
    • Cumulative GPA is 3.0 or above
    • Applicant may only be awarded the scholarship once per lifetime
    Application Process

    Submit a written application to the current SoDak SHRM College Relations Director as specified on our website. Application format should be a Word document or PDF. Please email application materials as attachments to the College Relations Director, who will confirm receipt of your application.

    Application should include the following:

    • Your contact information (full name, address, email)
    • 500-word personal essay including your volunteer and work experiences, as well as career goals
    • Current Resume
    • One professional letter of reference addressed to ‘SoDak SHRM Scholarship Review Committee’ containing information about applicant’s character, ethics, values and experiences. Letter may not come from a family member of applicant and should state context of relationship to applicant (supervisor, professor, mentor, coach, etc.).
    • Copy or screen shot of current academic transcript that will show applicant’s name, the name of the institution of higher learning, courses you’ve taken, and grades for each.
    • For incoming freshmen, please provide a copy of your course schedule that shows your name and the name of the institution of higher learning.

    Submit application materials by August 9th for the following academic year, defined as August through July. Scholarship recipient will be notified of award status by August 15.

    Checks will be sent to the student’s account at their academic institution of higher learning and made payable to that institution on behalf of the student.

    Selection Criteria

    All application materials, including your letter(s) of recommendation and personal essay, will be reviewed, to assess the following points:

    • 30% Commitment to/passion for the HR profession
    • 25% Career goals and commitment to the state of South Dakota, including the applicant’s local chapter
    • 25% Academic Achievement
    • 20% Financial Need