A recent study by the National Student Clearinghouse found 55 percent of Sioux Falls students attend college, five percentage points below the state average.
Now, one organization wants improve Sioux Falls’ numbers — and student opportunities.
The Promising Futures Fund wants to add multiple guidance counselor positions for Sioux Falls students to help put them on a path to college and a better future.
Jamie Nold is the superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District.
“Just a lot of things that we’ve been able to work with Promising Futures on to give our students additional access that we maybe wouldn’t have been able to do with our budgetary constraints," Nold said. "So, we’ve been greatly appreciative of that.”
Steve Hildebrand is the organizer of the fund. He said the reality of Sioux Falls students not seeking higher education isn’t a failure, but instead an opportunity to put boots on the ground.
“At Jefferson (High School), those numbers were 52 percent. So, we look at that as a growth opportunity, not as something we want to sweep under the rug," Hildebrand said. "What I’ve told folks at Jefferson is we have to increase that number. We have to own that number.”
He stressed this will come at no further expense to the taxpayer.
“We’re trying to bring in $1.3 million of private funds into the school district to run this program," Hildebrand said. "I am very happy with the partnership we’ve been creating. Dr. Nold and I have spent a lot of time over the last few months hammering out the details of how it can be implemented within the school district.”
Ultimately, Hildebrand said he is excited to move forward with the program and deepen connections, all with the hope of doing some good for students in need.