Ramia Boersma Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by South Dakota Education Association
Ramia Boersma Scholarship — Overview and Application Details
Overview
The South Dakota Education Association/NEA (SDEA/NEA) offers the Ramia Boersma Scholarship to promising students who intend to pursue a career in teaching. Each year the Association may grant as many as three scholarships, with each award worth $750 for the academic year.
Application deadline
All applications must be received by February 15.
Eligibility and award types
High School Seniors (four-year award)
Applicants in this category should be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a South Dakota college or university and intend to enter the teaching profession. To be eligible, the student must:
- Be the son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter of an active SDEA member or an SDEA–Retired member.
- Rank in the top 25% of his or her graduating class as of January of the graduation year.
- Be enrolled in a South Dakota public school.
- Have been accepted to, or be enrolling at, a South Dakota college or university.
Required attachments for high school applicants
Include the following with the application:
1. A copy of the high school transcript showing the school’s name.
2. A list of academic honors and extracurricular activities.
3. Letters of recommendation from at least two teachers and one school administrator.
4. A 300–500 word essay describing the strengths and skills the applicant will bring to the field of education.
College Sophomores (two-year award)
This award is intended for students who are completing their sophomore year and are enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Applicants must:
- Be completing the sophomore year of college and be enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
- Be the son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter of an active SDEA member or an SDEA–Retired member.
- Be enrolled full time.
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Maintain membership in the SDEA/NEA Student Program.
Required attachments for college sophomore applicants
Include the following with the application:
1. A copy of the college transcript showing the college’s name.
2. A list of academic and extracurricular activities.
3. Letters of recommendation from at least three instructors.
4. A 300–500 word essay outlining the strengths and skills the applicant will contribute to the teaching profession.
Renewal/Extension of the Award
A scholarship recipient may receive the award for an additional academic year if the student:
- Continues as a full‑time student in a teacher preparation program at a South Dakota college or university.
- Maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Remains a member of the SDEA/NEA Student Program.
Please ensure all required materials are included and the application is submitted by February 15.