Financial Literacy in South Dakota Tackling Student Debt

Paying for college can be a stressful endeavor for individuals and families. In 2020, SDCF awarded a $60,000 South Dakota Fund multi-year grant to support the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills in producing and launching a video series designed to help students avoid debt traps and get the most out of their college investment.

graduates and higher education professionals from across the state. Although registration is not required to access the video series, registrants receive a certificate after viewing the series.

Bonnie Spain, Executive Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills, wrote the video series and drew on her expertise and years of experience assisting individuals struggling with debt. Spain said, “College is a long-term investment and, as with any investment, requires planning and research. There are ways to get an education without incurring too much debt.”

The video series was produced in partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills, South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center and Career Learning Center of the Black Hills, a division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and was supported by a SDCF South Dakota Fund grant.

“The Paying for College SD video series is a great resource for students and families planning for the cost of college,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “This program fit well with the financial literacy focus of our South Dakota Fund.”

The financial literacy-focused video series is titled Paying for College SD and launched in October 2022. Career Learning Center of the Black Hills Executive Director Gloria Pluimer said, “I am confident students and families alike will benefit from this valuable resource. The information provided in these videos will have an impact on the financial choices one makes entering college, during college and well into the future.”

Available online at PayingforCollegeSD.org, the video series teaches students and their families how to carefully consider their education options and make informed decisions about how to pay for college.

The series is narrated by Black Hills TV host Anya Mueller and includes tips about budgeting, financial aid and student loan basics as well as advice from South Dakota college students,