Scholarship Programs

The Williston API and its members are passionate about supporting the future of our industry and the people that are a part of forging that future. Our chapter has invested over $250,000 in fully-endowed scholarships that provide over $10,000 in annual scholarships in perpetuity to support students pursuing education in fields of study in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Member Scholarship Program provides educational assistance for members’ children pursuing higher education.

There are several scholarship programs established and supported by the API – Williston Basin Chapter including:

• Member Scholarship Program
• Williston State College Endowed Scholarships
• University of North Dakota – Endowed Scholarships
• Montana Tech – Endowed Scholarships

 

Member Scholarship Program

The Williston API has established the Member Scholarship Program to promote member participation in the chapter.

Program Details

The Education and Scholarship Committee, Chapter Officers, and Directors upon review of the Chapter’s financial status shall award Member Scholarships for eligible students from the Williston Chapter.

Scholarship Determination

In March, the Education and Scholarship Committee, Chapter Officers, and Directors shall review the Chapter’s financial status and determine the number of scholarships, if any, to be awarded for the year. Each scholarship will be valued at a minimum of $500 and shall not exceed $1000. Applications may be submitted throughout the year and funds will be approved based on chapter finances. Maximum of one scholarship per applicant per year will be awarded. 

Eligibility

Applicants are eligible if they or an immediate family member is a member of the Williston API Chapter whose dues are paid current and the applicant will be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Scholarship Award Selection

The Education and Scholarship Committee, Chapter Officers, and Directors shall review eligible applications and select scholarship awards. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of scholarships determined for the year, preference shall be given to applicants whose Williston API member has demonstrated support of the organization through meeting attendance, committee participation and other support of the organization.

Williston State College - Endowed Scholarships

The Williston API Scholarships at Williston State College to support students who are enrolled in either the Petroleum Production Technology (AAS) Program or the Welding Technology (AAS) Program.The scholarships are part of the mission of the Williston Basin Chapter of API to serve the local oil and gas industry as well as the surrounding community.

Williston Basin Chapter of API Petroleum Production Technology Endowment

The Selected candidate for the award needs to be in the final year of the Petroleum Production Technology (AAS) Program. They would be awarded the $1000 scholarship from the endowment. The minimum GPA for consideration is the program required 2.0 GPA. Award Selection should consider GPA (1. GPA 3.5-4.0; 2. GPA 3.0-3.49; 3. GPA 2.5 -2.99; 4. GPA<2.49), candidate residence (1. Williston, 2. Williams County, 3. Other Western ND Counties that are a part of ND Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties; 4. Other Counties in North Dakota or Montana)

The Williston Basin Chapter of API Welding Technology Endowment   

The selected candidate for the award needs to be in the second year of the 2 yr. degree for the Welding Technology (AAS) degree program. They would be awarded the $1000 scholarship from the endowment.

The award section should consider candidate residence (1. Williston, 2. Williams County, 3. Other Western ND Counties that are a part of ND Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties; 4. Other Counties in North Dakota or Montana), with a minimum of a high school diploma, or GED. Previous post-secondary education should be considered as applicable although not required. If no viable candidates exist, then Award Selection would extend to those students pursuing the 1-year certificate option.

The scholarship application and selection process are administered by Williston State College. More information and application is available through Financial Aid at WSC on their website.

University of North Dakota - Endowed Scholarships

The Williston API Scholarships at the University of North Dakota (UND) to support students who are enrolled in either the Department of Petroleum Engineering or Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering. The scholarships are part of the mission of the Williston Basin Chapter of API to serve the local oil and gas industry as well as the surrounding community.

Scholarship Criteria
The Williston API Scholarships be administered by the UND Alumni Association Foundation as outlined below.

• Two awards of equal value:
  • $2,000 – (1) Junior
  • $2,000 – (1) Senior
• Students shall be selected from a program of study in either the Department of Petroleum Engineering or Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering.
• Students shall have good academic standing.
• Students shall be a graduate from one of the following counties:
  • Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, or Williams in North Dakota.
    
  • If sufficient applicants are not available, then students shall be a graduate from any high school in the 17 oil and gas producing counties in North Dakota.
    
  • If sufficient applicants are not available, then students shall be a graduate from any high school in North Dakota
    
• Preference shall be given to students who are working and have financial need.
  
• Scholarships are renewable if the above criterion is met.
  
• Each recipient shall contact the Williston API to arrange a visit or alternate presentation.
  
• • The Williston API will cover up to two nights lodging and mileage expenses for the recipient to attend one Williston API membership meeting and provide a short presentation.
    
  • The presentation should consist of personal background, interest in the energy industry, impetus for pursuing petroleum engineering and future plans.
    
    

The scholarship application and selection process are administered by UND and the College of Engineering and Mines. More information and the online application process are available on their website.

Montana Tech - Endowed Scholarships

The Williston API Scholarships at Montana Tech (MT Tech) support students who are enrolled in the Petroleum Engineering program. The scholarships are part of the mission of the Williston Basin Chapter of API to serve the local oil and gas industry as well as the surrounding community.

Scholarship Criteria

The Williston API will provide $4,000 annually, as long as funds are available, to be administered by the Montana Tech Foundation for the Williston API Scholarship as outlined below.

• Two awards of equal value:
  • $2,000 – (1) Junior
  • $2,000 – (1) Senior
• Students shall have good academic standing.
• Students shall be a graduate from one of the following counties:
  • Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, or Williams in North Dakota.
  • If sufficient applicants are not available, then students shall be a graduate from: Dawson, Roosevelt, or Sheridan counties in Montana
  • If it is determined that there are still insufficient applicants shall be considered eligible as graduates from any high school in North Dakota or Montana.
• Preference shall be given to students who are working and have financial need.
• Scholarships are renewable if the above criterion is met.
• Each recipient shall contact the Williston API to arrange a visit or alternate presentation.
  
• • The Williston API will cover up to two nights lodging and mileage expenses for the recipient to attend one Williston API membership meeting and provide a short presentation.
  • The presentation should consist of personal background, interest in the energy industry, impetus for pursuing petroleum engineering and future plans.
    
    

The scholarship application and selection process are administered by MT Tech School of Mines and Engineering. More information and application is available through Financial Aid at MT Tech on their website.