Western Dakota Technical College pictured in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) has strengthened its support for graduates seeking professional certifications by achieving perpetual funding for its program, One Step Closer, through a grant awarded by Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF).
Since 2022, One Step Closer has helped graduates facing financial barriers pay for licensure and certification exams needed to start their careers. Certain careers, like nursing, require a licensure exam, while others, like computer science, value additional certifications. These exams often cost hundreds of dollars, a challenge for graduates who are already stretched thin financially.
“Graduates have the knowledge, but the cost to get their certification becomes a barrier. This program allows them to show what they know,” Andrew Kapelewski, Interim Foundation Director at Western Dakota Technical College.
In 2024, BHACF awarded a $50,000 Community Action Grant to WDTC to support One Step Closer. Instead of using the award immediately, WDTC invested their award in an endowment at BHACF, along with a 25 percent match through BHACF’s endowment matching program.
“We’re a believer in long-lasting support for our students. When there’s an option for something to have a continued impact for 15 or 20 years down the road, it’s a good investment,” Kapelewski said.
While the endowment grows, WDTC will use its remaining program funds. After three to five years, the endowment will produce dividends large enough to support and grow the annual program forever.
“Endowments provide a reliable way to sustain and expand a nonprofit’s important work. This endowment means One Step Closer will continue to grow, bringing more and more graduates into our local workforce.”
Chris huber, ceo of black hills area community foundation
Over 50 percent of students at WDTC are eligible for the Pell Grant, a federal award for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, Kapelewski said. With increasing enrollments at WDTC, demand for the program is only expected to grow.
Students approaching graduation can apply for One Step Closer through the Western Dakota Technical College Foundation. All professional licensure and certification exams are eligible for the program. The most requested exams have been the American Academy of Professional Coders Exam (AAPC) and the nursing National Council Licensure Examination Exam (NCLEX).
Open an Endowment, Receive a 25 Percent Match
Nonprofits interested in opening an endowment can connect with our Giving Team to get started.
When nonprofits open an endowment, they become eligible for:
- A 25 percent match up to $20,000 (effectively turning an $80,000 investment into $100,000).
- Eligibility for $20,000-$50,000 in annual Community Action Grants.
- Expert advice about maximizing their investment and streamlining strategies to fulfill their mission.
So far, BHACF’s endowment matching program, supported by the John T Vucurevich Foundation, has helped over 80 nonprofits across the Black Hills area.