The exodus of qualified college students in South Dakota has reached such proportion that it set up a special program, the Dakota Corp., to address many of its most critical needs, such as educational and medical occupations. This doesn’t mean it covers everything, though. As it happens, the state and private organizations have also stepped in to help. For starters, all qualified students should look at the state’s version of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Program. To qualify for this national scholarship fund, high school students should have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and have scored at least a 30 on their ACT. They must also be planning to attend an academic university. If qualified, the student will receive a renewable scholarship of $1,500 per year to any school in the U.S.

There are also a few organizations that may not be national, but do cover as much as a half-dozen or so of the greater Northwestern states, including South Dakota. For starters, there is the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Essay Contest. To qualify, a secondary school student needs to have a 2.5 GPA. He/she also must complete an essay on drug abuse. It will be published in a major anti-drug magazine, to which the recipient gets $500. Another such organization is the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers. Unlike many such private organizations, it doesn’t require membership. Applicants should only live in what was considered the old Minnesota Territories (both Dakotas are) in 12th grade and provide proof of acceptance to a college. It also requires an essay and awards $500.

An interesting program is the Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship. Each year, all the colleges in South Dakota elect their top sophomores and enter them into the competition. Prerequisites include the student does plan to be a junior and carries a 3.5 grade point average. From there, the Board of Regents will award the qualified student $1,000. The state’s Better Business Bureau has also stepped into the fray. It created the Scott Mecham BBB Student of Integrity Awards and also covers the states of Nebraska and parts of Iowa. Each year, six students are awarded $2,000 each for representing the values of the late Mecham. They must be high school juniors. Grades and ethnicity are not considered.

Hotels and lodging places are always the first concern for first time visitors to a certain destination. But whether you’re on a business trip or here on a holiday, rest assured clean and comfortable lodging option is plenty in this Midwest State. The Mount Rushmore State draws thousands of tourists each year who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Black Hills on the west, wide open plains on the east, and the Dakota stretch of the Missouri River that divide the state into its West River and East River districts.

Looking for a non-smoking place to stay for your holiday in South Dakota? Comfort Inn Pierre is your best bet. It is located a few blocks from the Missouri River, and the hotel offers you the stunning river sunset everyday. Another few blocks from the state capitol, you’re close enough for any business meetings or events location. Clean, comfortable guestrooms come with excellent staff trained in total guest experience makes this hotel and wonderful choice for both business and leisure visitors. Yankton’s Super 8 is another excellent lodging option. This border hotel is sitting right along the shores of the Missouri River, close to the Nebraska border. Very close to the Gavin’s Point Dam, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to enjoy recreation options available here. Start your day with Super 8′s SuperStart breakfast served hot by courteous and friendly staff at very affordable prices.

The Clubhouse Hotel and Suites in the city of Sioux Falls is a perfect location if you’re looking for lodging close to everything – the Avera McKennan Hospital, the University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sanford Health, Augustana College and the University Center. If that doesn’t impress you enough, this hotel is also a short distance from W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Great Plains Zoo, the Empire Mall, Phillips to the Falls, Delbridge Museum, Sioux Falls Skyforce Basketball, Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey, the Sioux Falls Storm Indoor Football, and the Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball. Watertown’s Comfort Inn is another comfy lodging option. Wireless high-speed internet access is free in guestrooms and throughout the hotel. A deluxe continental breakfast greets you every morning with no extra charge. You’ll get an exercise room, indoor pool, whirlpool and a business center under one roof.