This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding progress in the area of educational development in the State of South Dakota.

The Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year Award is provided to a student who has demonstrated leadership within the formal or non-traditional learning environments. This award is given to a student who has overcome difficult circumstances to pursue adult learning, who has supported other adult learners, and who has managed significant adult responsibilities such as those related to employment, family or community.
Award Criteria:
1. The nominee must be an adult learner as defined by the sponsoring organization. He or she must have significant adult responsibilities, such as those relating to employment, family, or community.
2. Has improved the life situation(s) of self/others as a result of learning experience.
3. Has demonstrated leadership within formal or non-traditional learning environments.
4. Has maintained family, civic, or employment responsibilities while concurrently pursuing educational goals.
5. Has overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences.
6. Has been supportive of others engaged in adult learning.
7. The nominee must have been a student or self-directed learner within 12 months prior to the nomination date.

Nominators must be a SDALL members in good standing.