Ramia Boersma Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by South Dakota Education Association

Overview

The South Dakota Education Association (SDEA/NEA) awards scholarships to outstanding students planning to enter the teaching profession. The Association may award up to three scholarships each academic year, each valued at $750. Scholarships are available for both graduating high school seniors and college sophomores who meet the program criteria. Awards are limited to students enrolled in South Dakota public education institutions or accepted to a South Dakota college or university.

Award Value: Up to three scholarships per year, $750 each.

• Purpose: support students entering the teaching profession.
• Limit: awards are restricted to South Dakota students and institutions.
• Two recipient categories: high school seniors and college sophomores.

High School Seniors

This category provides a four-year scholarship intended for high school seniors who plan to pursue a teaching career. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and a connection to an active or retired SDEA member. Selection requires proof of enrollment or acceptance to a South Dakota college or university. The application package must include transcripts, recommendations, activity listings, and an essay.

Description: Four-year scholarship for high school seniors entering teacher preparation programs.

Eligibility:

1. Be the daughter/son or granddaughter/grandson of an active SDEA member or an SDEA-Retired member.
2. Be in the top quarter of the graduating class as of January of the graduating year.
3. Be a student in a South Dakota public education institution.
4. Be accepted and/or enrolled in a South Dakota college or university.

Attachments:

1. A copy of the high school transcript indicating the name of the school.
2. A listing of academic and extracurricular activities.
3. Letters of recommendation from at least two teachers and one administrator.
4. A 300–500 word essay on the strengths and skills the applicant will bring to the field of education.

• Academic rank (top quarter) is required.
• Family relationship to an active or retired SDEA member is required.
• Complete documentation and essay are mandatory for consideration.

College Sophomores

This category provides a two-year scholarship for college sophomores who are enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA and maintain membership in the SDEA/NEA Aspiring Ed Program. The application package requires college transcripts, activity listings, multiple instructor recommendations, and a 300–500 word essay. Renewal eligibility depends on continued enrollment, academic performance, and program membership.

Description: Two-year scholarship for college sophomores in teacher preparation programs.

Eligibility:

1. Be completing the sophomore year of college and enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
2. Be the daughter/son or granddaughter/grandson of an active SDEA member or an SDEA-Retired member.
3. Be a full-time student.
4. Have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
5. Maintain membership in the SDEA/NEA Aspiring Ed Program.

Attachments:

1. A copy of the college transcript indicating the name of the college.
2. A listing of academic and extracurricular activities.
3. Letters of recommendation from at least three instructors.
4. A 300–500 word essay on the strengths and skills the applicant will bring to the field of education.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment required.
• Must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program and maintain Aspiring Ed membership.
• Three instructor recommendations are required for college applicants.

Renewal and Continuation

Scholarship recipients may have their award extended for an additional academic year if they meet specified continuation criteria. Continuation focuses on full-time enrollment in a South Dakota teacher preparation program, maintaining a minimum GPA, and ongoing membership in the Aspiring Ed Program. These conditions ensure recipients remain on track toward teacher certification while retaining SDEA/NEA program affiliation. Extension is contingent on verification of enrollment, academic standing, and membership status.

Continuation criteria:

1. Be a full-time student in a teacher preparation program at a South Dakota college or university.
2. Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average.
3. Maintain membership in the South Dakota/NEA Aspiring Ed Program.

• Extension requires verification of full-time enrollment and GPA.
• Ongoing Aspiring Ed membership is mandatory for continuation.
• Failure to meet any criterion may result in loss of renewal eligibility.