Are There Grants for Felons in South Dakota? There are education grants, housing help, job training, and federal benefits for felons in South Dakota. Formerly incarcerated individuals may qualify for programs such as the Build Dakota Scholarship for career training, the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship for college students, and the Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP) for housing.
Furthermore, there are employment resources, reentry support, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and legal aid for returning citizens in South Dakota. This guide explains the best grants, scholarships, and reentry programs for felons in South Dakota that can help rebuild their lives.
Best Education Grants for Felons in South Dakota
There are education assistance programs and scholarships for felons in South Dakota that help them to pursue college education, earn a degree and cover other education costs.
The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is a need-based scholarship offered to help South Dakota residents pursue education and earn a bachelor’s degree by attending participating colleges and universities throughout South Dakota. The scholarship amount ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per year. This is not a felon-specific scholarship. However, formerly incarcerated students can qualify if they meet the academic and residency rules.
Eligibility For The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
To be eligible for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship, individuals must be South Dakota residents for at least one year before applying, attend an eligible South Dakota college/university, applicants must be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, graduate within five years and agree to live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation.
How To Apply For The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship?
To apply for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship, applicants need to get admission to a participating South Dakota college or university and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial eligibility. Some colleges might require applicants to fill out additional scholarship paperwork. Next, accept the award and you will receive a scholarship through your school’s financial aid portal. For general queries, call 605-846-6976 or email them at [email protected].
South Dakota State University Post-Carceral Education Opportunity Program
The SDSU/Mellon Foundation Post-Carceral Educational Opportunity Program was created with support from the Mellon Foundation to create a strong pathway to higher education for the formerly incarcerated applicants to build a bright future. They offer a wide range of services including academic advising, career counselling, mentoring, advocacy, textbook subsidy, and career portfolio development. They do not offer a fixed scholarship amount. Instead, they provide different types of assistance to the students.
Eligibility For SDSU/Mellon Foundation Post-Carceral Educational Opportunity Program
To be eligible for SDSU/Mellon Foundation Post-Carceral Educational Opportunity Program, individuals must be previously incarcerated, released, or on probation/parole, meet normal SDSU admission standards, priority must be given to first-time college students, typically released from incarceration within the past 3 to 5 years, and ready to enroll in campus or online classes.
How To Apply For SDSU/Mellon Foundation Post-Carceral Educational Opportunity Program?
Applicants need to submit the Post-Carceral Educational Opportunity Program application through SDSU. Next, applicants need to take an interview where the program representative will determine eligibility. Apply separately for admission to South Dakota State University and complete your FAFSA. If accepted, applicants can attend orientation and register for classes. For general queries call 605-688-4154.
Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Association partners with various universities in South Dakota offering Denny Sanford Scholarships to the students who attend the participating selected colleges. The support is only for those students who have shown perseverance despite serious life obstacles.
The scholarship amount varies by partner university, the University of South Dakota offers 12 awards of $20,000 each distributed across college years. This is not a felon-specific program, but returning citizens may qualify for the program depending on the scholarship committee and school admission eligibility.
Eligibility For Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship
To be eligible for Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship, applicants must be a current U.S. high school senior planning to start college after graduation, stay committed to completing a bachelor’s degree at a participating university, have financial need, maintain a minimum 2.0 to 2.5 GPA, must be a U.S. resident and willing to participate in community or extracurricular service.
How To Apply For Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship?
For the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship, applicants need to apply to a partner university such as University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, or Dakota State University. Next, complete the Horatio Alger scholarship application using the portal. Submit the required documents including proof of income, transcript, personal statement explaining how the scholarship can help you. If selected, complete your school enrollment steps to use the scholarship. For general queries call 703-684-9444 or email them at [email protected].
Build Dakota Scholarship
The Build Dakota Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship program offered to the eligible students in South Dakota to pursue a career in high-demand fields through participating South Dakota’s technical colleges. The scholarship amount can be used to cover full tuition, required fees, books, and other program-related expenses. It can be one of the most valuable scholarship programs in the state for students with felony convictions to get access to career fields like healthcare, manufacturing, construction, diesel technology, welding, information technology, agriculture, and other skilled trades.
Eligibility For Build Dakota Scholarship
To be eligible for Build Dakota Scholarship, individuals must be admitted to an eligible program at a participating South Dakota technical college, complete FAFSA application, must enroll full-time in an approved program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and agree to work full-time in South Dakota in the field of study for at least three years after graduation.
How To Apply For Build Dakota Scholarship?
To apply for the Build Dakota Scholarship, individuals need to gain admission to an eligible program from South Dakota’s participating technical colleges. If you have felony records, it is best to ask your college staff if there is any background check or licensing limitations on the chosen career field. To explore the available scholarship visit the official website of Build Dakota Scholarship. To get direct assistance call at (605) 773-3134 or email them at [email protected].
South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship
The South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship offers support to the eligible students in South Dakota to pursue careers in corrections, criminal justice, human services, or related public service fields. This award is for those heroes who are connected to the corrections profession and help to complete their education in South Dakota. The scholarship amount of $500 per student is offered that can be used for covering education costs.
Eligibility For South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship
To be eligible for South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship, individuals must be a resident of South Dakota, usually open to college juniors or seniors, must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical school, should be interested in corrections, criminal justice, human services, or a related field, and demonstrate financial need.
How To Apply For South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship?
To apply for the South Dakota Corrections Association Fallen Heroes Scholarship, get an current application form through the scholarship posting source. Complete your application carefully and submit all the required documents including transcripts, recommendation letters, and a short personal statement explaining your career goals. To get direct assistance with scholarship call on (605) 352-9098.
Housing Grants & Assistance For Felons in South Dakota
There are housing assistance programs for returning citizens in South Dakota that include SHIP, Glory House, Stephen’s House and Oxford Houses. These programs help with security deposits, rental support, and transitional housing.
The Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP)
The South Dakota Housing Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP) is a housing assistance program for the eligible applicants with felony backgrounds to remove barriers to stable housing in South Dakota. The program does not provide direct cash grants. Instead, it funds approved housing providers. SHIP helps with security deposits, rental assistance, application fees, lost rent claims, and unit repair costs to secure stable housing.
Eligibility For The Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP)
To be eligible for Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP), applicants must live in South Dakota or be seeking housing there, household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), be at high risk of housing instability or homelessness, and formerly incarcerated individuals are specifically recognized as an eligible barrier group.
How To Apply For The Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP)?
SHIP does not offer direct grants. To apply for SHIP assistance, it is recommended to contact your local housing nonprofit, homeless assistance provider, tribal housing agency, or community action organization in South Dakota and ask them about the SHIP funds. Explain your situation, submit your documents and follow the procedure as asked by the approved provider. For general queries call on (605) 773-3181 or email them at [email protected].
Glory House – Sioux Falls
Glory House of Sioux Falls is a nonprofit reentry, treatment, and transitional support organization founded in 1968 operating in Sioux Falls to help eligible individuals to rebuild their lives by providing structured housing, counseling, employment support, transportation assistance, and recovery services. This is not a felon-specific program, but returning citizens can get help with reentry in South Dakota.
Eligibility For Glory House – Sioux Falls
To be eligible for Glory House – Sioux Falls reentry support, individuals must require reentry support after jail or prison release, be recovering from substance abuse or addiction, must be willing to follow house rules and program requirements, must participate in treatment, counseling, or case management if assigned, and they give high priority to South Dakota residents and local referrals.
How To Apply For Glory House – Sioux Falls?
To get access to Glory House of Sioux Falls services, it is best to contact the organization directly by phone at (605) 332-3273 or email them at [email protected] or directly visit them at 4000 S West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Applicants can get a referral through parole officers, correctional institutions, courts, or treatment agencies. To explore their services visit the official website of Glory House.
Stephen’s House – Yankton
Stephen’s House is a faith-friendly nonprofit reentry and transitional housing program in Yankton offering assistance to the men leaving prison, jail, addiction treatment, or unstable living situations to build their lives. The main focus of the organization is towards accountability, employment, mentoring, recovery support, and stable housing for returning citizens. It is one of the most valuable South Dakota reentry resources for returning citizens to get support after release.
Eligibility For Stephen’s House of Yankton
Stephen’s House of Yankton primarily serves men coming out of prison or jail, applicants who are reentering society after incarceration may apply, willing to follow house rules and participate in mentoring/accountability programs, and usually work a full-time job or actively seek employment.
How To Apply For Stephen’s House of Yankton?
To apply for services from Stephen’s House of Yankton, contact them directly by phone, email or visit them in person. Applicants can begin the application procedure before release through help from prison staff, parole officers, case managers, or family members. A staff will review your application based on your current requirements and assign you to an appropriate program.
Address: 415 Linn St, Yankton, SD 57078
Phone: (605) 665-0210
Email: [email protected]
Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare
Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare is a faith-based nonprofit reentry organization based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota offering help to men and women to make successful reentry after release. The program was established in the year 2013 to reduce recidivism through spiritual guidance, transportation support, transitional housing and employment assistance. The organization operates multiple housing properties and thus can provide stable support to the formerly incarcerated individuals after release.
Eligibility For Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare
To be eligible for Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare, individuals must be formerly incarcerated applicants reentering society after jail or prison release, willing to follow house rules, program expectations, and accountability standards, applicants are open to mentoring, case support, and structured living requirements, and usually be employable or actively seeking work.
How To Apply For Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare?
To apply for services from Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare, contact them directly by phone, email or visit them in person. Applicants can begin the application procedure before release through help from prison staff, parole officers, case managers, or family members. A staff will review your application based on your current requirements and assign you to an appropriate program. To explore their services visit the official website of Kingdom Boundaries
Address: 417 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 336-1669.
Oxford House South Dakota
Oxford House South Dakota is a network of sober living homes that mainly focuses to help people who are recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. Felons in South Dakota who are looking for structured housing after release can apply for Oxford Houses. In Oxford Houses, the members share the rent and housing responsibilities. There are a number of locations in South Dakota where Oxford Houses are available.
Eligibility For Oxford House South Dakota
To be eligible for Oxford House South Dakota, individuals must be committed to drug- and alcohol-free living, willing to follow house rules, need to pass a house interview, have the ability to pay weekly shared housing costs, and must not be actively using drugs or alcohol.
How To Apply For Oxford House South Dakota?
Applicants can use the Oxford vacancies locator and search for a house according to the suitable location. Once you find a house, you need to contact them directly and go through an interview procedure. Current residents will interview the application and will be approved if the majority votes on acceptance.
Job Training or Employment Assistance for Felons in South Dakota
There are job training programs for returning citizens in South Dakota that offer help with training, education, resume assistance, interview coaching, and internships.
Career Launch SD (Work-Based Learning)
Career Launch SD is a South Dakota workforce readiness and career exploration program that helps youth and young adults to get connected with jobs, training, education, and work-based learning opportunities. This program is administered by the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation to help the participants to build employability skills through internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, resume assistance, interview coaching, and career guidance. It is not a felon-specific program, but returning citizens can get help through this program to reenter the workforce.
Eligibility For Career Launch SD (Work-Based Learning)
To be eligible for Career Launch SD (Work-Based Learning), individuals must be youth or youth adults (14-24), must be South Dakota residents seeking employment, education, or training may qualify, be legally able to work in the United States, and willing to participate in job readiness, training, or work-based learning activities.
How To Apply For Career Launch SD (Work-Based Learning)?
To apply for Career Launch SD, contact the nearest South Dakota Job Service office and get help with enrollment for work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, resume help, or employment services. If you have felony records, you must explain your background and career goals that will help the staff to find programs according to your need. For general queries call them at (605) 773-3101 or email them at [email protected].
LSS (Lutheran Social Services) Center for Financial Resources
Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (LSS) Center for Financial Resources offers financial guidance to the felons and formerly incarcerated individuals with budgeting, credit repair, debt management, student loan counseling, bankruptcy education, and housing readiness.
Additional services might include homebuyer counseling and money management classes that improve financial independence. The program is open to all South Dakota residents, you can contact LSS by phone call at (605) 330-2700 or visit the official website of LSS to schedule an appointment.
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Citizen Re-entry Services
The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Citizen Re-entry Services program offers help to the individual with felony records and people who are recovering from substance abuse to re-enter the workforce. They offer help with employment support, employer incentives, and training resources to reduce the barriers to employment. It is one of the valuable resources for the felons in South Dakota to get second-chance opportunities and build a stable life.
Eligibility For South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Citizen Re-entry Services
To be eligible for South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Citizen Re-entry Services, individuals must be residing in South Dakota, having felony background or recovering from substance abuse, must be legally able to work in the United States, need to register with Job Service or workforce programs, and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation?
To apply, individuals need to visit the nearest South Dakota Job Service office or visit the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation workforce services website. A staff member will further guide you to register for employment services, assess your skills, and determine whether you qualify for training grants, OJT placements, or re-entry employment resources. For general queries call on (605) 773-3101.
Federal Programs Available For Felons in South Dakota
There are federal benefits available for felons in South Dakota including Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. These programs offer help with education, food, cash, and health assistance.
Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell Initiative)
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to offer help to the low income students to pay for college. The incarcerated participants in South Dakota can access the Federal Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell Initiative.
Participants with felony convictions in South Dakota can pursue education through the Federal Pell Grant and the maximum award that is offered is over $7,000. To apply for the Federal Pell Grant, complete your FAFSA application at StudentAid.gov.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based federal grant available in South Dakota offering help to the low income college students including felons. The FSEOG grants offer an award that ranges from $100 – $4,000 per year and you do not have to pay it back. To apply for the FSEOG, complete your FAFSA application at StudentAid.gov and list your college that you plan to attend.
SNAP For Felons in South Dakota
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in South Dakota administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services offers monthly food benefits to the eligible low income individuals and households, including felons. The main aim of the program is to ensure access to nutritious food while individuals can work towards employment, housing stability and become self-sufficient. To apply for SNAP in South Dakota, you can submit your application online through the official website of the State of South Dakota, visit your local Department of Social Services office, or call (605) 773-3165.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in South Dakota administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services, provides cash support to the low income families to meet basic requirements like food, housing, utilities, and childcare. South Dakota has lifted the old federal drug felony ban and TANF does not automatically disqualify individuals with felony convictions if they meet the program requirements. To apply for TANF in South Dakota, you can submit your application online through the official website of the State of South Dakota, visit your local Department of Social Services office, or call (605) 773-3165.
Medicaid For Felons in South Dakota
Medicaid is a joint federal and South Dakota health coverage program for individuals that pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services for low-income adults, families, and individuals with disabilities. Remember, Medicaid services will be suspended when you are incarcerated but benefits may resume after release. You can apply for Medicaid in South Dakota by visiting the state’s online benefits portal or by contacting (800) 305-3064.
The Federal Bonding Program In South Dakota
The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) in South Dakota provides free, $5,000–$25,000 fidelity bonds to employers who are hiring job seekers who have criminal records. The fidelity bond protects the employers from any kind of theft or dishonesty caused by the employee for the first six months.
The Federal Bonding Program does not require any paperwork and it is completely free. The Federal Bonding Program is highly valuable for the individuals with felony convictions in South Dakota as it gives them a chance to get jobs despite their criminal history. To apply for the Federal Bonding Program in South Dakota, visit your nearest South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation office or contact (605) 773-3101 to get direct assistance.
Is Legal Help Available for Felons in South Dakota?
Yes, legal help is available for felons in South Dakota through the South Dakota Legal Aid offering help with civil legal issues for people that are affected due to felony records. The South Dakota Legal Aid does not provide criminal defense after conviction but can assist with reentry-related legal problems and provide legal guidance to individuals. To get help visit the official website of South Dakota Legal Aid. For general queries call (605) 856-4444 or 1-800-952-3015.
Is Emergency Help Available for Felons in South Dakota?
Yes, emergency help for felons in South Dakota is available through 211 South Dakota. Individuals need to dial 211 to get help with immediate assistance for housing, food, utility bills, clothing, transportation, mental health care, addiction treatment, and crisis support. 211 is a free and confidential helpline that connects individuals to specialists who assign programs based on the requirements. It is one of the fastest ways to get emergency help for felons in South Dakota.
Bottom Line
There are valuable South Dakota programs for felons that make reentry smoother and faster. From education programs like Build Dakota and the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship to housing support, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and job placement services help the returning citizens with a strong pathway to rebuild their lives. It is recommended to apply as early as possible through the official website or by contacting local agencies. By getting access to the right support, felons in South Dakota can become financially independent and build a bright future.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Can felons get student loans in South Dakota?
Yes, felons can qualify for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. However, individuals need to complete FAFSA to determine financial eligibility. Sometimes eligibility also depends on current incarceration status or prior drug-related aid restrictions.
Can felons rent apartments in South Dakota with bad credit?
Yes, there are some landlords and reentry housing providers who accept applicants with criminal records or low credit scores. One of the valuable programs is the Sustainable Housing Incentive Program (SHIP) that helps transitional housing, deposits, and rental support.
Do felons qualify for healthcare after release in South Dakota?
Yes, felons may qualify for South Dakota Medicaid after release and receive coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery care, and preventive services. However, while incarcerated, Medicaid benefits are paused, and coverage can resume once they are released.
Can felons get food assistance in South Dakota?
Yes, returning citizens in South Dakota may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by meeting the income and household requirements. SNAP can be used to purchase groceries through an EBT card.
Are there jobs in South Dakota that hire felons immediately?
Yes, the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation – Citizen Re-entry Services help felons with job placement and training. Furthermore there are industries including construction, manufacturing, warehousing, trucking, food service, agriculture, and skilled trades that often hire people with felony records.
Can felons get help with transportation in South Dakota?
Yes, there are many reentry nonprofits, churches, and workforce agencies that offer bus passes, rides to interviews and free transportation for work. Felons can get this support through case management programs.
How can felons improve their chances of approval for grants in South Dakota?
To improve approval chances for grants in South Dakota, applicants need to apply for FAFSA early for education grants. Keep documents handy and apply for multiple programs like Build Dakota Scholarship, South Dakota Freedom Scholarship and other reentry programs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or availability of any grant or assistance program. Program rules, funding amounts, deadlines, and contact details may change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official agencies, schools, or providers before applying. We do not provide legal, financial, or government benefits advice. Individual criminal history may affect eligibility for some opportunities and programs.
