While education can lead to higher paying careers, it all starts with finding that first actual job. At the most recent Board of Technical Education meeting, the state’s education leaders dove into the latest job placement rates.

Advocates say institutional effectiveness, measured in terms of graduate outcomes, job placement, and pay rates for outgoing students, is a critical assessment for higher education institutions, including trade schools. Trade schools that focus on specialty careers like construction, welding, nursing, or IT.

Jenna Reis is the policy and data analyst of the Board of Technical Education. She said the state takes a close look when collecting data.

“Before I jump into the numbers, I want to provide some brief context into how this data is collected,” Reis said. “Our technical college will lead the process, surveying their students starting six months after they complete their programs. In addition, students can supplement information using the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulations reemployment assistance, or that unemployment assistance record to fill in any gaps.”

Reis said these numbers highlight the kind of return on investment students at South Dakota trade schools are getting.

“If we look at employment first, among graduates who are employable, this years’ data shows 99 percent are employed, 93 percent are employed in a program-related field, and 85 percent are employed within their field in South Dakota,” Reis said. “These are strong numbers, in fact, you may notice in the chart we have very few graduates who are not in the labor market or are still seeking employment.”

That combines with an average salary of $53,000 annually for full-time work for these graduates.

The full data breakdown can be found in an online report.

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 23, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 23 drawing

07-18-40-55-68, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 23 drawing

04-11-15-19-38, Lucky Ball: 04

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

• Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
• Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
• Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
• Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

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