During last week’s Apprenticeship Summit, Dakota State University academic advisor Addie Borah (Bore-Uh) was recognized as the 2026 StartTodaySD Apprenticeship Program Outstanding Mentor.
The event, hosted by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, celebrated the achievements and impact that the Registered Apprenticeship Program has had in South Dakota. Governor Larry Rhoden was in attendance, and as part of the summit, announced an expansion of youth apprenticeships for high school students.
Borah has worked with DSU’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, or TAP, since the program’s inception in 2023. Her work is focused on guiding students through the program, providing a support system as participants navigate balancing coursework with their full-time paraprofessional duties and life outside of the classroom.
Borah says it’s been a very meaningful experience to mentor these individuals through the program. She added that the people are passionate about education but have had barriers keeping them from obtaining their certification in the past.
Three graduates of the program, Jaimie Bartmann, Riley Morrison, and Courtney VanBatavia, were included in a graduation ceremony during the program.
