ABERDEEN, S.D. – In 1901, Northern State University opened its doors with a promise: if you had the desire to teach, you had a place here. That promise continues today through the Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program, which was redesigned in Fall 2024 and will introduce a new tiered model beginning in Fall 2026.
Rooted in Northern's proud tradition of preparing teachers, this scholarship honors future educators by providing all Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education majors with at least $1,901 per year, while rewarding academic excellence with enhanced awards.
"Elementary and early childhood teachers have the incredible responsibility of starting every child's story in education," said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education. "The Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship celebrates those who choose this meaningful work. It's our commitment to supporting the teachers who will inspire the next generation of learners and carry forward Northern's promise to education."
Scholarship Tiers
Beginning Fall 2026, the Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship will follow a tiered model available to all current, new, and transfer students majoring in Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.) or Early Childhood Education (A.S.):
- Millicent Atkins 1901 Untold – GPA 3.75+ and ACT 24+ Award: $2,750 per semester ($5,500 per year) — Total: $22,000
- Millicent Atkins 1901 Legacy – GPA 3.25+ and ACT 18+ Award: $2,250 per semester ($4,500 per year) — Total: $18,000
- Millicent Atkins 1901 Promise – GPA 2.75+ with no ACT requirement Award: $1,750 per semester ($3,500 per year) — Total: $14,000
- Millicent Atkins 1901 – All admitted Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education majors Award: $902.50 per semester ($1,901 per year) — Total: $7,604
It is renewable for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters toward a first bachelor's degree. To remain eligible, students must be full-time, make progress toward their program each semester, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year.
Automatic Award for Qualified Students
No separate scholarship application is required. High school seniors, transfer students, and current Northern students who are admitted to Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education programs will automatically receive the scholarship tier for which they qualify beginning Fall 2026.
Continuing the Legacy of Millicent Atkins
Named in honor of Millicent Atkins, one of Northern's most generous benefactors and a lifelong educator, the scholarship program reflects her enduring legacy of empowering teachers and strengthening education in South Dakota. Atkins' historic gift to Northern State University remains one of the largest ever made to a South Dakota public university, continuing to open doors for aspiring educators.
For more information about the Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program, visit northern.edu or contact Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education, at anna.schwan@northern.edu.