Dec. 13, 2019

One of the 51 women vying for the title of Miss America this coming week could go home with a scholarship from Dakota State University.

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at DSU is funding a new, $5,000 cash award open to all 51 candidates. The intent is to broaden recognition of the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The college also is making available an in-kind scholarship for the cash scholarship winner to enroll in up to four years of undergraduate studies, including tuition, room and board at Dakota State or scholarship for tuition to complete one degree of graduate studies.

The winner will be chosen based on a writing sample prepared during the week of competition. A panel will judge the essays, and the winner will be announced at the Miss America Tribute Show on Tuesday.

“We’re recognized nationally as a computer and cyber science center of excellence. When you consider our 99 percent placement rate and affordable tuition, we provide one of the best values in education,” DSU president José-Marie Griffiths in a statement. “As a sponsor of the writing component for this year’s Miss America competition, Dakota State University will broaden the recognition of Beacom College as an excellent and affordable national leader in computer sciences education.”

The university also will serve as the title sponsor of the inaugural live stream of the two nights of the Miss America preliminary competitions at 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The final competition is Thursday.

“Miss America has a long tradition of providing scholarships for young women to further their education. We welcome a national leader in cybereducation in support of our mission,” said Shantel Krebs, former South Dakota secretary of state and board chair for the Miss America Organization. “This aligns with the organization’s goal of empowering women to be the best they can be through learning, service, leadership and communication skills.”