Pierre Economic Development Corporation to fund Learn & Earn scholarships for third cohort

MITCHELL – The Pierre Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) has renewed its commitment for a third year to provide students in Dakota Wesleyan University’s Learn & Earn program with scholarship support.

At a recent meeting, members of PEDCO’s board approved offering $500 scholarships to the first ten students who enroll in the unique Pierre-based program for August 2023.

PEDCO’s chairman of the board Damon Wheelhouse is enthusiastic about providing the financial support. “We have had a great experience working with Dakota Wesleyan and the ability to offer scholarships to students in the Pierre area is attractive to us,” Wheelhouse said. “PEDCO has always worked closely with area businesses and industries to help them find well qualified employees, so assisting students in the Learn & Earn program is a natural fit for us. We are pleased to continue our investment in their future success.”

DWU Learn & Earn Coordinator Jessica Carr was very happy to receive the news. “We are grateful for PEDCO’s continued support of the Learn & Earn program. We are deeply appreciative of their partnership, helping to bring higher education access to Pierre.”

The program, which began in August 2021, recently held its first graduation. Five students from the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area completed the 18-month program in December. The second cohort is currently halfway through the program and a new group is scheduled to begin in August.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit