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 2025-26 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.
