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NSF AIM Scholarship

National Science Foundation Accomplish Innovate Motivate Scholarship

The AIM (Accomplish Innovate Motivate) S-Stem Scholarship is a grant provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to Bismarck State College (BSC). This grant allows BSC to provide scholarships to students who are seeking a STEM degree and who can demonstrate an unmet financial need.  
 


 

AIM Scholarship – Important Updates

The AIM Scholarship will end in Fall 2027.

Eligibility: At least one year left before graduation (two years for bachelor’s, two semesters for associate’s), stay in the same program, GPA ≥ 2.5.

Application: Deadline April 15 (fall intake only, no spring). Reviewed in summer; missing documents will be requested.

Reapplication: Not required unless you change program or degree level.

How to qualify for the AIM Scholarship

 
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AIM Scholarship, please ensure that you meet the following criteria:
  1. Acceptance: You must have been accepted for admission to BSC.
     
  2. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States, a national, a refugee alien, or a permanent resident alien at the time of application.
     
  3. GPA: You need to demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, including your high school and/or college/transfer GPA.
     
  4. Financial Need: BSC will assess your financial need based on the information provided in your FAFSA application. To be considered for this scholarship, you must complete the FAFSA application and specify BSC as the institution (school code 002988).
     
  5. You must be a full-time student pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or a part-time student with a minimum of 6 credits per semester. Certificate or diploma programs are not eligible.
     
  6. Enroll in AIM Cohort

 
Maintaining Eligibility

To remain eligible for the AIM Scholarship, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Academic GPA: Sustain a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher in subsequent semesters. It is important to maintain good academic standing to continue benefiting from the scholarship.
     
  2. FAFSA Submission: Submit a FAFSA form annually. This will help us assess your financial need and ensure you are still eligible for the scholarship. Be sure to complete the FAFSA application within the specified timeframe.
     
  3. Enrollment: Enroll in a minimum of 6 semester credits at BSC. This ensures you maintain an active student status and progress toward your degree.
     
  4. Academic Progress: Maintain satisfactory academic progress at BSC while pursuing qualified associate or Bachelor’s degree programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. Your academic performance will be considered to ensure you are making consistent progress toward your degree.
     
  5. AIM Cohort Engagement: Enroll in the AIM cohort and actively engage in all student activities and orientation sessions. This will provide valuable support and guidance throughout your academic journey. Additionally, it is important to maintain consistent and effective communication with AIM mentors.

Additional consideration will be given to students who self-identify as members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers, including but not limited to Women; Racial and ethnic minorities; Individuals with a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act); Individuals who are or will be first-generation college students.

Scholarship applications can be submitted online or by mail. To apply by mail, please download the application, fill it out, and send it to the following address: BSC Foundation  PO Box 5587 Bismarck, ND 58506-5587

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE APRIL 15.

 
Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I start my education at BSC and then transfer to another university or college? Do I retain my scholarship?
You are eligible to receive the scholarship while enrolled at BSC. Once you transfer, you are no longer eligible.
Will having a job, or planning to keep a job if awarded the scholarship, affect my chance of receiving it?
Stop working to pay for school and study more! Although neither circumstance will hurt your application, this scholarship is intended to help you work less so that you can study more. We strongly recommend you reduce your work hours if awarded this scholarship. 
What are the eligibility requirements?
  • You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits at BSC.
  • You must be enrolled  in a STEM Program. 
    • Due to NSF requirements, clinical and health-science majors such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, as well as k-12 education are excluded from this award.
  • You must demonstrate financial need (see below for further detail on this)
What is considered a "STEM" field?
A STEM field is any discipline pertaining to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This includes (but is not limited to) biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. 
 
Bachelor of Applied Science:
  • Cybersecurity and Information Technology
  • Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Associate in Arts:
  • Psychology
Associate in Science:
  • Agriculture, Technology, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
Associate in Applied Science:
  • Agriculture Industry and Technology (Agronomy)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Automotive Collision Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Carpentry (Residential)
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Cybersecurity and Computer Networks
  • Electric Power Technology
  • Electrical Transmission Systems Technology
  • Electrician Technician
  • Electronics/Telecommunications Technology
  • Energy Services & Renewable Technician
  • Engineering Technology
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Heavy Equipment Operations
  • Industrial Automation & Robotics
  • Instrumentation & Control Technology
  • Land Surveying Technology
  • Lineworker (Electrical)
  • Mechanical Maintenance Technology
  • Nuclear Power Technology
  • Petroleum Production Technology
  • Power Generation Technology
  • Power Process Technology
  • Process Technology
  • Welding
Contact us if you are unable to locate your STEM program on the above list.
Is there a necessary SAT/ACT score to be eligible for the scholarship?
No, but appropriate ACT or SAT standardized test scores may be a factor in determining your academic potential.
 
If student is awarded an AIM scholarship and change major to a non-STEM degree, what will happen?
Scholarship eligibility will end at the completion of the last semester student's major was an approved STEM program.
 
As a scholarship recipient, are their requirements to maintain receiving the funding?
Yes, there are requirements as a recipient, including:
  • Maintain a 2.5 Cumulative GPA or higher.
  • Attend and participate in events that assist in furthering academic and professional achievement.
  • Enroll in AIM Cohort.  
  • Engage and communicate with an academic mentor (Professor) who will provide guidance and support throughout the degree program. 
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
  • Scholarships can be applied toward the cost of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. All students who receive scholarships will have scholarships renewed during each subsequent semester, as long as the student continues to meet the requirements for the scholarship program. Scholarships vary in amount based on financial need.
  • Scholarships will be renewed for up to 4 consecutive years as long as the student meets the financial need requirements and maintains a 2.5 GPA.
  • As a recipient, students are still eligible to apply and receive other scholarship(s) & grant funding (such as HOPE and Pell).
  • Students will be given opportunities for involvement in undergraduate research, career counseling, peer-tutoring, internships, and other academic activities.
If student already receives other forms of financial aid, how will the scholarship effect awards?
The scholarship can be added to the other scholarships (such as HOPE and Pell) and/or grant funding.
 
What does it mean to have an unmet financial need?
To be considered to have an unmet financial need, a student must demonstrate a need for funds to cover the cost of school that other scholarships, loans, or grants do not cover.
What if student is an international student?
The NSF only allows the scholarship to be awarded to US citizens and legal residents.
 
When will I hear back about my AIM scholarship application?
The review committee starts evaluating applications April 15 for the fall semester. It usually takes two to three weeks for the committee to meet and make a decision, so you can expect to hear back around one month after the application deadline. Notifications will be sent to your Bismarck State College email account.
How will I be notified about my scholarship decision?
You will receive an email on your Bismarck State College email account. This is the only form of communication, so be sure to check it regularly. We do not send notifications to personal emails, and it's important that you provide a correct phone number in case we need to follow up with you by phone.
When will the scholarship money be disbursed?
The scholarship funds will be disbursed after the semester has started, your enrollment status has been updated, and you’ve attended the AIM Scholarship Orientation. The orientation typically takes place during the third week of the semester.

If you have any further questions, please contact

Christina Burns
Programs & Alumni Coordinator 
701-224-2486
bsc.aim@bismarckstate.edu

National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Grant #2130259