South Dakota Mines Joins Statewide 605 Day Effort to Expand Scholarship Opportunities

This Friday, June 5, South Dakota Mines will join universities across South Dakota for 605 Day, a statewide day of giving dedicated to one shared mission: funding futures through scholarships. 

Named after South Dakota's 605 area code, 605 Day brings together all South Dakota Board of Regents universities in a collaboration that rarely happens. While each institution serves its own students and communities, they are united on this day by a common goal: making higher education more accessible and affordable for South Dakota students. 

Now in its second year, 605 Day shines a spotlight on the transformative role scholarships play in helping students pursue their education, reach their potential, and prepare for meaningful careers. 

At South Dakota Mines, scholarship support often means much more than helping pay a tuition bill. It can change the entire college experience. 

"A scholarship can be the difference between a student having to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet and a student having the time to participate in research, get involved on campus, and fully engage in their education," said Molly Moore, associate vice president for enrollment management at South Dakota Mines. 

For Laura Jensen, a junior studying chemical engineering, scholarship support has made that difference. 

"This year, I can focus on school instead of finances," Jensen said. "That changes everything." 

Because of scholarship support, Jensen has been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while pursuing research opportunities, serving in student outreach efforts, and exploring how she can combine engineering with humanitarian work in her future career. 

"You're not just funding school," she said. "You're giving to a student's dream." 

Sophomore metallurgical engineering student JayDe Jordhal understands that impact as well. As a first-generation college student, Jordhal expected he would need to work multiple jobs to afford attending South Dakota Mines. Receiving a scholarship eased that burden and provided something even more meaningful: confidence that others believed in his future. 

"It made me realize that other people value my education, not just me," Jordhal said. "Other people want to see me succeed." 

Stories like Laura's and JayDe's highlight why scholarship support remains a critical need. Currently, 44% of South Dakota Mines students receive no scholarship assistance. Among students who do receive scholarships, awards cover an average of just 35% of tuition costs, leaving many students and families responsible for a significant portion of their educational expenses. 

"Scholarships open doors," said Marc Vaillancourt, CEO of the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement at South Dakota Mines. "They reduce financial barriers, create opportunities, and allow students to focus on learning, growing, and preparing for careers where they can make a real impact. Every gift made on 605 Day helps students pursue their ambitions and build a stronger future for themselves and their communities." 

Supporters can participate in 605 Day through one-time gifts, multi-year pledges, or endowed scholarships that will provide support for generations of students to come. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps create opportunities for current and future Hardrockers. 

Community members are invited to participate in 605 Day by making a gift to support South Dakota Mines scholarships on June 5. Those unable to contribute financially can still make a meaningful impact by sharing information about the campaign with fellow alumni, friends, colleagues, and others who believe in the power of education. 

To make a gift, visit https://give.sdsmt.edu/forms/605dayon June 5.