MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell School District is among nine South Dakota districts receiving 2026 Perkins Reserve Grant funding to upgrade equipment for Career and Technical Education programs.
According to the South Dakota Department of Education, Mitchell was awarded $38,663 to modernize its automotive technology lab. Statewide, the grants will support major equipment purchases and program upgrades in fields including manufacturing, agriculture, automotive repair and culinary arts.
Other districts receiving funding are Aberdeen, De Smet, Lake Preston, McLaughlin, Menno, Timber Lake, Wakpala and Wolsey-Wessington. Aberdeen will use its grant for new precision machine equipment, while McLaughlin plans to launch a new culinary arts program.
Education Secretary Dr. Joseph Graves said the grant program helps schools keep pace with workforce needs by providing students with current tools, technology and hands-on learning opportunities that can prepare them for college or careers. The South Dakota Department of Education says Perkins Reserve Grant awards can range from $10,000 to $50,000.
More information on the program is available from the South Dakota Department of Education.
