First university sponsor enters competition

December 10, 2019

Dakota State University is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Miss America Organization (MAO) and Miss America Foundation, an opportunity made possible by the 2017 Rising Gift to Dakota State University. 

This partnership is a first in MAO’s history, part of the organization’s efforts to focus on talent identification over appearance, and encourage an emphasis on the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University has pledged more than $100,000 in support of this effort through a new scholarship opportunity for the contestants. 

The Beacom College is sponsoring a writing component which will be a new part of the interview segment of competition for the Miss America candidates. The topic for the essay will be women and STEM. A panel will judge the essays and the winner will be awarded a $5,000 Beacom College STEM Scholarship cash award. 

The award-winning writing candidate may also elect to enroll in up to four years of undergraduate studies, including tuition, room, and board at Dakota State University, or scholarship for tuition to complete one degree of graduate studies (master’s, doctorate, or certificate) from The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University. The Beacom STEM Scholarship award has the potential to exceed a total value of $85,000. 

“We’re recognized nationally as a computer and cyber sciences center of excellence. When you consider The Beacom College’s 100% placement rate and affordable tuition, we provide one of the best values in education,” said  José-Marie Griffiths, Ph.D., president of Dakota State University. This partnership will broaden that recognition, she said, highlighting The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences as an excellent and affordable national leader in computer and cyber sciences education. 

The Miss America competition is the largest college scholarship program for women in the United States, and this new scholarship opportunity will further MAO’s goal to prepare great women for the world and prepare the world for great women. 

“Miss America has a long tradition of providing scholarships so young women could further their education. We welcome a national leader in cyber education in support of our mission,” said Shantel Krebs, board chair for the Miss America Organization. “This really fits with our goal of empowering women to be the best they can be through leadership, communication skills, and learning.” 

The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University is also the title sponsor of the inaugural live webcast of the preliminary competitions. The preliminary competitions will feature all 51 candidates vying for the title of Miss America. The preliminary competitions are Sunday, December 15, and Monday, December 16, at 7 p.m. EST and will be available at https://watch.jcproductions.tv/missamericapreliminaries/.