S-STEM Scholarships

The S-STEM Scholars Program sets students up for academic success by surrounding them with a cohort of other strong STEM students to lean on for support and inspiration. All S-STEM Scholars are co-enrolled in one of their first-year science or math courses to foster collaboration, academic support, and community-building within BHSU's science and math programs. S-STEM Scholars receive one-on-one advising with a professional advisor in addition to a science or math faculty mentor. Students also participate in a special section of the General Studies 100 class (GS100), where they learn more about pursuing careers in the STEM fields while actively building their professional network.
The S-STEM Scholars Program targets students with financial need who have a passion and who show academic promise for a career in the STEM fields.

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) (Division of Undergraduate Education, Award #2221350).

Eligibility

Participants must pursue a major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Physical Science, or Mathematics. Students must also have demonstrated financial need (Pell eligibility on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA). Students selected for the S-STEM Scholars Program may receive up to $10,000 in annual scholarship. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years if the student maintains good academic standing and the required financial need. These scholarship dollars can also be stacked on top of any other financial aid you receive from Black Hills State University. Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States.

Applicants who have completed dual-credit undergraduate courses during high school are eligible and encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Applicants must be students new to BHSU with plans for four years of study at BHSU. Academic plans should include earning a degree that could lead to a career in STEM research or pursuit of a graduate-level degree in a STEM discipline. S-STEM funds are not intended for students planning to pursue a career in healthcare.

• Apply for admission to Black Hills State University
• Submit the S-STEM Scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year, including: 
  • Reference Contact Information:
    • Provide contact information (first and last name, email address) for a teacher who knows you well and is willing to write a letter of recommendation (science or math preferred but not required). Ask that teacher to provide their assessment of you at the link below.
    • S-STEM Recommendation Form
  • A response of 350 words (maximum) to the following: 
    • What interests you about science and math and how do you think the additional supports offered by the S-STEM Scholars Program will help you succeed in your STEM career?
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Federal Student Aid website.

Completed applications will be reviewed as received. Completed applications include the FAFSA, BHSU enrollment application, and the S-STEM application components, including a recommendation supplied by a teacher. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Space is limited for this scholarship opportunity so we invite you to apply early.

Inquiries for more information can be sent to S-STEM@BHSU.edu

Benefits of the S-STEM Scholars Program

• Co-enrollment in one first year science course with your STEM Scholars cohort.
• Specialized science centered General Studies 100 (GS100) first-year course that focuses on introducing students to different careers in the STEM fields.
• One-on-one advising by STEM faculty advisors and a professional university advisor.
• Additional opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research as early as the second year through independent study, research courses, and paid summer research experiences. S-STEM Scholars are also eligible for extra support when applying for external internships.
• Academic support from other S-STEM Scholars. After their first year, students seeking even more leadership and professional development opportunities often work as tutors, mentors, or Teaching Assistants in the courses affiliated with the S-STEM Scholars Program.
• An immediate sense of community, thanks to our residential living-learning program. All S-STEM Scholars will be eligible to be housed in the same residence hall during their first year to bring peer-to-peer academic and social support directly into their living spaces.

Responsibilities in the S-STEM Scholars Program

• Maintain full-time enrollment with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Environmental Physical Science, or Mathematics at BHSU. Maintain good academic standing.
• Participate in the faculty mentoring program, academic advising, and S-STEM learning community courses and activities.
• Respond in a timely manner to requests for information from your faculty mentor and/or S-STEM staff concerning your participation in the program.

*Be citizens 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.