Avera supports ambitious learners with a strong desire to follow their passion while developing a career path in health care.
What is an Avera Sponsorship?
Avera is offering financial support in exchange for a student’s full-time work commitment to an Avera-owned facility. Most sponsorship work commitments are three years but may vary. Sponsorships are tied to Avera’s most critical workforce roles and may change based on need, program and location. Offer subject to availability.
What are the Critical Workforce Areas?
- Nursing (RN, LPN and MA)
- Medical lab (tech and scientist)
- Respiratory therapist
- Surgical tech
- Imaging services (radiological tech, nuclear medicine, ultrasound technician/sonographer)
How do I Apply for a Sponsorship?
Career Planning Services consultants can discuss details and status of the sponsorships. Fill out a form to show your interest. A consultant may reach out to learn more about your career and education goals and the next step of consideration, which may include an interview.
Fill out a sponsorship form
Who is eligible?
If you're accepted into—or currently attending—a school program in one of Avera’s critical workforce career areas and are committed to work at Avera, you may qualify for a sponsorship. Not everyone who applies will receive one, but we encourage you to fill out the form to get a free consultation and learn more about your options.
Avera aims to be flexible and supportive of many different situations. If you're unsure if you are eligible or are already an Avera employee and are interested in moving into a critical workforce role, you’re encouraged to complete the form for a consultation.
How much are the sponsorships?
The sponsorship amounts vary by academic program and cost. Allied health sponsorships can range from $8,000-$15,000 and nursing sponsorships can range from $10,000 – $20,000. The lump sum amount of each sponsorship is paid direct to the student upon a signed contract and confirmed enrollment.
Program details, including sponsorship amounts, will be discussed during the initial consultation. We can also talk about student loan repayment, potential sign-on bonuses, benefits and other perks of working at Avera that contribute to a total financial package.
Which schools can I attend?
Avera has a variety of established partnerships with nearby schools but any school with an accredited academic program in the critical workforce areas could be considered. Avera is also an industry sponsor for Build Dakota, which includes all four of the technical colleges in South Dakota. Some schools include, but are not limited to:
- Augustana University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- Northern State University
- Mount Marty University
- Mount Mercy University
- St. Ambrose University Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing
- South Dakota State University
- South Dakota’s technical colleges
- University of Sioux Falls
- University of South Dakota
What is the timeframe to apply for a sponsorship?
Timeframes to complete the various degrees in the critical workforce areas vary. Individuals should inquire with Avera’s career planning service as soon as you’re interested in or accepted into an eligible academic program. All applicants will be notified of whether they’ve been awarded a sponsorship.
How is the sponsorship paid out?
As of 8/12/25, students accepting an Avera sponsorship will have the payments made directly to them.
Avera provides this financial support to help cover educational costs and reduce barriers to completing a program. It is recommended that the funds be used for tuition, fees, books, or other school-related expenses. It is the student’s responsibility to inform their school’s financial aid office of the sponsorship if the student is a recipient of federal financial aid.
Key points to know:
- Interest begins to accrue as soon as the payment is made to the student.
- Sponsorship forgiveness, including interest, begins once the student starts full-time employment in their sponsored profession at Avera.
- In line with IRS guidelines, taxes on the financial support may be owed once full-time employment begins in the appropriate field.
What if I don’t finish school, don’t pass my classes or fulfill my work commitment to Avera?
You would owe a prorated amount of the sponsorship back to Avera with interest. Interest rate is prime plus 2%.
If a student takes a semester off, it is expected that the student will begin again after the approved time away has ended.
Do I have to stay in the same job for the entire work commitment?
You are eligible to apply for other full-time roles per Avera’s transfer policy as long as it is a clinical role within Avera.
Would I be eligible for student loan repayment programs (SLRP) and sign-on bonuses?
Sponsored students are eligible for SLRP. Additional sign-on bonuses vary by type of sponsorship and location.
What happens after I complete my work commitment?
The loan will be considered paid.
Avera Academy Standout Shows How Program Helps Launch Careers
First in his family to finish high school and start college, Johnathan Marroquin has a plan, and even at age 19, it’s well underway.
It started with straight A’s at Roosevelt High School and continued with his acceptance as a member of the Avera Academy his senior year.
Read Johnathan's Story
Scholarship applications are accepted each year from January 1 to March 31
Avera St. Benedict Scholarship
Avera St. Benedict Health Center Scholarships are awarded each year to qualified high school seniors who desire to enter a variety of health care careers. Applicants must be from the Parkston, Ethan, Tripp, Lake Andes or Corsica/Stickney school districts. To apply, submit the scholarship application and reference letter. Application deadline is April 1.
Dr. Dave and Mary Ann Kapaska New Americans in Health Care Scholarship
This endowed scholarship is available to established refugee or immigrants in the Avera Health service area, pursing training or education in the field of health care. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Floyd Valley Auxiliary Scholarship
The Floyd Valley Auxiliary provides 2 scholarships to eligible high-school seniors interested in furthering their medical education in the Le Mars area. Sign-up begins in January and ends April 1. Learn more by calling 712-546-3428.
Julie Sendelbach Nursing Scholarship
The Julie Sendelbach Nursing Scholarship is proud to offer a scholarship for students pursuing a degree in nursing from a South Dakota college or university. One $3,000 scholarship for the school year will be awarded. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Kay Monson Scholarship
Kay Monson Scholarships are awarded each year to qualified high school seniors who desire to enter a variety of health care careers. Applicants must be from the Parkston, Ethan, Tripp, Lake Andes or Corsica/Stickney school districts. To apply, submit the scholarship application and reference form. Application deadline is April 1.
Lori Ann Schrempp Memorial Nursing Scholarship
The Lori Ann Schrempp Memorial Nursing Scholarship is available to nursing students continuing their education to become a registered nurse. Applicants must be in their third or fourth year of a B.S.N. program, or first or second year of an associate degree program. Applications must also reside in the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital 15 county service area. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Medical Student Scholarship - Marshall, MN
Avera Medical Group Providers in Marshall provides one scholarship of $1,000 for a student who meets the following criteria: top 10% of the graduating class; at least a 3.0 grade point average; and acceptance into a college or university, with a major declared in a medical-related field. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Colleen Hoekstra Scholarship
The Colleen Hoekstra Scholarship will provide one scholarship for a volunteer, employee or past employee of the Avera Marshall region to obtain or further their nursing degree. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements.
Mark Steinborn Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Students enrolled or accepted in a nurse anesthesia program and are a past or present Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center employee are encouraged to apply for up to two $1,000 scholarships awarded annually by the Avera Foundation. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Scholarship applications are accepted each year from January 1 to March 31
Avera Health Leaders Scholarship for Students
Current Avera employees, spouse or children are eligible to apply. Avera Foundation provides the Avera Leaders Scholarship to nurture the next generation of leaders to share this vision with up to five $2,000 scholarships awarded each year. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Avera Marshall N. Ben and Howard Weiner Scholarship Scholarship
Current employees of Avera Marshall are eligible to apply. The Avera Marshall N. Ben and Howard Weiner Scholarship Scholarship was established to help further education for those in the health care field. To apply, download scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
DeSchepper Rehabilitation Education Scholarship
Current employees of the therapy and rehabilitation department at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Center are eligible to apply. This endowed scholarship, established in 1994, has been made available because of charitable gifts given in honor of Hector DeSchepper. To apply, download scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Dr. Brian T. Hurley Education Endowment
Current employees of Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center are eligible to apply. This endowed scholarship was established for the benefit of employees at Avera McKennan to support their continuing education. The scholarship is to be used for education and may include a college course, workshop, conference or seminar. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Nursing Excellence Educational Endowment
Nurses at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center or Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota are eligible to apply. This endowed scholarship was established for the benefit of nursing staff at Avera McKennan and the Avera Heart Hospital in appreciation of the nurses who continually strive for excellence in teaching other nurses as well as providing care for patients. Award money is to be used to fund educational opportunities to nurses who have demonstrated excellence in the nursing field. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Paul & Marilyn Stork Scholarship
Current employees of Avera Tyler are eligible to apply. This scholarship offers financial assistance to Avera Tyler employees seeking to advance their professional level of certification or degree. The program will award two or more scholarships annually, each with a maximum value of $1,000. The value of the scholarship will in part depend on the cost of the advancement program. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Sister Bernadette Farrell Education Scholarship
Current nurses employed in the Women & Children’s department at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center are eligible to apply. This endowed scholarship funds educational opportunities for nurses who have demonstrated excellence in the nursing field. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment and loyalty to the mission and philosophy of Avera. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Sister Cleopha Scholarship
Current employees in the Avera Sacred Heart region are eligible to apply. The Sister Cleopha Scholarship is a scholarship for nursing staff (RN, CRNA, LPN) at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Avera Sister James Care Center, Avera Sacred Heart region Avera Medical Group clinics and Avera Creighton Hospital to attend a continuing education workshop. To apply download the scholarship application and requirements and reference letter. Application deadline is March31.
Sister Colman Coakley Education Scholarship
Current employees of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center are eligible to apply. This endowed scholarship, established in 1992, has been made available because of charitable gifts given to the Avera Foundation in honor of Sister Colman for her strong belief in the value of education. To apply, download scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
Dr. Edward Wegrzynowicz Continuing Education Scholarship
Current employees at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Avera Medical Group, Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Avera Eureka Health Care Center, Eureka Community Health Services or Avera Marshall County Healthcare Center are eligible to apply. This scholarship was established to help further the education of those looking to enhance and continue their education within the healthcare field. Scholarships will offset costs associated with CME training registration, tuition for online or on-site courses, books, or other necessities. To apply, download the scholarship application and requirements. Application deadline is March 31.
