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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 that are seeking a STEM degree, and who can demonstrate an unmet financial need.  

Requirements:
S-STEM scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:
  • Required to be a citizen of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
    • Please note that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) individuals are ineligible for support from this solicitation unless they meet the requirements listed in the first sentence of this bullet by the time of application.
  • FAFSA
    • Student is required to complete FAFSA.
    • Declare BSC as their home campus.
    • Through the FAFSA process, the BSC Office of Financial Aid will determine if student has demonstrated an unmet financial need. 
  • Enrollment
    • Enroll in a STEM program that leads to an associate, baccalaureate or graduate S-STEM eligible degree in a S-STEM eligible discipline.
    • Enrolled in at least 6 credits.
    • Complete a 1 credit hour course (SCNC 100). 
  • Academic Achievement is a significant factor in the selection process; however, there are no minimum requirements to apply. Student must:
    • Demonstrate academic ability or potential.
    • Must agree to participate in the academic success course.
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 AND NOVEMBER 15, HOWEVER, SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED YEAR-ROUND.

 
Download Application and Submit by Mail


 
Online Application

Mail Application to:

BSC Foundation 
PO Box 5587
Bismarck, ND 58506-5587

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 and computer science 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 Science:
  • Agriculture, Technology, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Associate in Applied Science:
  • Agriculture Industry and Technology
  • Cybersecurity and Computer Networks
  • Electric Power Technology (Online only)
  • Electrical Transmission Systems Technology (Online only)
  • Electronics and Telecommunications Technology
  • Energy Services & Renewable Technician
  • Engineering Technology
  • Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS)
  • Graphic Design and Communications
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Industrial Automation & Robotics
  • Instrumentation & Control Technology (I&C)
  • Lineworker (Electrical)
  • Mechanical Maintenance Technology
  • Nuclear Power Technology (Online only)
  • Petroleum Production Technology
  • Power Generation Technology
  • Process Technology
  • Web Page Development and Design
  • 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.
  • Required to complete a 1 credit hour course (SCNC 100).
  • 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.
 

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