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<\/p>\nThe STEM Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides social and financial support that empowers academically promising students with financial need to thrive in STEM at BSU and pursue successful careers in these fields.<\/p>\n
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Secure your future in STEM with up to $15,000 a year <\/strong>toward tuition, fees, books, housing, meals and other miscellaneous costs. Join our supportive network of peer and faculty mentors and develop life-long skills in emotional intelligence and personal resilience. These skills will help you succeed and thrive in school and give you an advantage as you search for jobs after graduation.<\/p>\n As a STEM Scholar, you’ll have access to:<\/p>\n “The STEM Scholars Program has had an incredible impact on my life. It’s offered me great opportunities to not only attend college but to help give me a step up in my studies and my community. Overall, it’s a great program and I’m happy to be a part of it.”<\/p>\n —Lainie B.<\/strong> We welcome all students to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in STEM. We are accepting transfer and returning students with three or less years until graduation (i.e., students with 30 or more college credits who can graduate in spring of ’29 or earlier) who are enrolled in on-campus, face-to-face programs.<\/p>\n To be eligible, you need to<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Bemidji State University’s STEM Scholars Program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, eliminating systemic barriers, celebrating diverse perspectives and advocating for social justice within the STEM community. We actively recruit and support underrepresented students, providing financial support and resources to level the playing field and create a sense of belonging. Our program aims to empower students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers, contributing to a more equitable and innovative future.<\/p>\n Apply for this scholarship (and many other scholarships at BSU) through the Foundation Scholarship Application. All materials must be submitted by the application deadline, Feb 1st.<\/strong><\/p>\n Maximum annual awards will be up to $15,000. This is a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning it will cover remaining college expenses like tuition, fees, food and housing and miscellaneous expenses above the student aid index after all other grants, scholarships and awards have been applied towards the cost of attendance. Each recipient’s scholarship amount is based on their unmet need, as determined by the FAFSA. Scholarships will be distributed in conjunction with financial aid disbursement for fall and spring semesters.<\/p>\n STEM Scholars gain skills in high-demand disciplines such as biology, chemistry and computer science, positioning them for careers essential to national interests like cybersecurity and climate change. If you are interested in teaching STEM at middle or high school level, see the NOYCE Teacher Preparation Project<\/a> scholarship opportunity.<\/p>\n With an average wage of $92,000—well above the U.S. mean—these careers offer strong growth rates and the potential for upward social mobility. In Minnesota, home to tech and biotech giants like 3M and MedTronic, STEM-related jobs are booming, making scholars highly marketable.<\/p>\n These fields are not only financially rewarding but also critical to addressing today’s most pressing challenges.<\/p>\n a. National data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2021. “I really enjoy the monthly STEM Learning Community events, whether it was a game of laser tag or an engaging lecture. These gatherings give me a chance to unwind and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed, social environment. The free meals at each event were a bonus. Through the STEM Scholars Program, I’ve built meaningful connections with both fellow students and professors.” <\/span><\/p>\n — Makaela L.<\/strong> If you would like more information or have a question, ask STEMscholars@bemidjistate.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Connect with us on social media: bemidjistate_stemscholars <\/span><\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\nProgram Benefits<\/h2>\n
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\n![\"Student](\"https:\/\/www.bemidjistate.edu\/mybsu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/lainie-2.jpg\")
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\nWadena, Minn.
\nMathematics major<\/p>\n
\nWho Should Apply<\/h2>\n
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How to Apply<\/h2>\n
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Award Details<\/h2>\n
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\nSTEM Career Opportunities<\/h2>\n
Employment Data for STEM B.S. Graduates<\/h3>\n
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\n \nJob<\/th>\n National Median Salary<\/th>\n Number of Jobs in Minnesota<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Software Developer<\/td>\n $109,020<\/td>\n 33,284<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Computer Systems Analyst<\/td>\n $99,270<\/td>\n 18,856<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical Scientists<\/td>\n $95,310<\/td>\n 3,303<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers<\/td>\n $78,300<\/td>\n 4,302<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Chemists and Material Scientists<\/td>\n $79,760<\/td>\n 2,039<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Information Security Analysts<\/td>\n $102,600<\/td>\n 2,532<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Environmental Scientists and Specialists<\/td>\n $76,530<\/td>\n 1,837<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Natural Science Managers<\/td>\n $137,900<\/td>\n 1,646<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Database Administrators and Architects<\/td>\n $101,000<\/td>\n 2,887<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biochemists<\/td>\n $120,270<\/td>\n 787<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nb. State data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Employment Outlook Projections 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Makaela](\"https:\/\/www.bemidjistate.edu\/mybsu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/makeala-edited.jpg\")
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\nBagley, Minn.
\nWildlife Biology major<\/p>\n
\nI’m Interested<\/h2>\n