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Nebraska entrepreneur announced as 2026 Energize conference keynote

March 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Nebraska Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame member Craig Schroeder as the 2026 Energize conference keynote speaker.

A Little Free Library book box along a sidewalk in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Opportunities for Addressing Book Deserts in Rural Communities

By fostering a culture for reading, placing books into community spaces, and partnering with libraries to extend their reach, rural communities can transform book deserts into book-rich environments.

Deadwood, South Dakota buildings with Black Hills in the background

Community

Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.

2021 Energize! Conference attendees gathered outside a brick building.

Energize!

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is designed to empower South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders from across the state to share success stories, get new ideas and take action to improve their own communities.

Dave Anderson, President, Mt. Vernon Economic Development Group

South Dakota Newcomers Survey Report

Results from the 2024 state-wide Newcomer Survey, which was administered to gain a better understanding of the newcomer population in South Dakota.

A map of South Dakota indicating libraries that are participating in the Rural Libraries Hotspot Lending Program

SDSU Extension collaborates with AARP South Dakota and rural libraries to provide better internet access

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is collaborating with AARP South Dakota and South Dakota’s public libraries to give the state’s rural citizens better access to the internet.

People shopping inside De Smet small business.

Are Chamber Bucks a Thing of the Past or Still a Viable Economic Development Tool?

For many communities, Chamber Bucks, sometimes called community gift certificates or local currency, have been a long-standing tradition. Today, they remain a simple, meaningful way to keep dollars working close to home while supporting businesses that invest in your community.

Aerial view of the Wall high school and athletic complex
May 06 - 07

Energize Conference

SDSU Extension will host the next annual Energize conference on May 6–7, 2026, in Wall, South Dakota.

a large brick school building

Community Education in South Dakota Schools: Benefits, Strategies, and Opportunities

Three school districts in South Dakota have community education programs. Learn more about the benefits of community education programs and how to support established programs.

A large, wooden barn stands in the background, with tree branches in the foreground

SDSU Extension helps agritourism producers promote their strengths

January 09, 2026

In 2019, Good Earth Farm owners Nancy and Jeff Kirstein had to make a decision. The barn on their Lennox-based property, originally constructed in 1897, needed attention.