ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University announces the new Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship, an opportunity designed to support educators pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments and help meet workforce needs across South Dakota. The scholarship provides $5,000 per year, renewable for up to two years, to six students.
The scholarship supports educators completing Northern State University’s Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments, which is designed to meet the requirements for the South Dakota Department of Education endorsement in Blind and Visually Impaired.
“We are thankful to the Lochners for providing this generous scholarship for educators interested in becoming highly qualified to teach students who are blind or visually impaired,” said Interim Provost Dr. Erin Fouberg. “With this scholarship and the graduate certificate in visual impairments, Northern is helping address the severe shortage of teachers in South Dakota and across the nation.”
Ideal candidates include teachers currently working in general education or special education who seek to expand their professional impact. The program welcomes educators from all grade levels and content areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments may be completed as a stand-alone credential or serve as a pathway into Northern State University’s MSEd in Special Education with a specialization in visual impairments.
Scholarship details
- Award amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for up to two years (up to $10,000 total)
- Number of awards: Six
- Application deadline: March 15, 2026
- How to apply: sdbor.edu/applyforscholarships
- Additional funding note: The scholarship can be paired with the Reduced Tuition for South Dakota Educators program and may be stackable with other scholarships, as permitted by program guidelines.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for the Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be admitted to or enrolled in Northern State University’s Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments program. How to apply: northern.edu/degrees/visual-impairments-graduate-certificate
- Demonstrate a strong interest in supporting students who are blind or visually impaired
- Be a full-time graduate student in education or an in-service teacher
- Preference may be given to applicants currently employed in South Dakota schools or who intend to serve South Dakota students after completing the program
For full scholarship details and to apply, visit sdbor.edu/applyforscholarships and submit an application by March 15, 2026.
For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.