Academically Interested Minds (AIM)

Started in 1984, Kettering University developed the AIM program to help students of color make a successful transition from high school to college.

About the Program

This four-week residential program provides students with real college experience. Students enroll in college-level courses to develop functional, quantitative and qualitative skills. Course offerings include: Business Management, Calculus, Chemistry with Lab and Physics with Lab. Students also participate in a career institute which exposes them to a variety of professions in engineering, science, math and business.

The Goals of AIM

  • To prepare students with the self-discipline required to succeed in a challenging college curriculum experience.
  • To enable students to recognize their academic strengths and areas which may need improvement.
  • To provide students with the tools necessary to matriculate successfully through college.
  • To increase the number of under-represented students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, science and business.

Eligibility: While we continue to strive to attract students from historically underrepresented groups, namely African American, Hispanic, and Native American, the program is open to all U.S. and International students graduating in the class of 2025. Students should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in English, math, and science courses. Additionally, they should have completed two years of algebra or its equivalent, one year of geometry, one year of chemistry with lab, and two years of English. To be considered for this program, applicants must submit a completed AIM application, a one-page essay, and a high school transcript.

Note: Students must commit to the entire four-week experience.

Program Dates: July 7 - August 2, 2024

Deadline to Apply: April 5, 2024

Students working AIM Program
Students AIM Program
Student working in lab AIM Program
AIM Photos

Courses

The AIM program simulates a real college experience. Students attend classes Monday-Thursday, which are taught by Kettering University faculty. At the end of the program, each student is ranked based on their tests, exams and homework. The ranking determines the scholarship amount students receive if they attend Kettering.

AIM classes include:

  • Business Management
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry with Lab
  • Computer Programming
  • Physics with Lab

Students participate in a career institute on Fridays, which include company tours and presentations from engineers and managers. Evening and weekend activities include use of Kettering's Rec Center and fun activities such as camping, bowling and a trip to Cedar Point. Kettering University upper-class students serve as mentors throughout the entire program.

Cost

Students are required to pay a $500 program fee. Financial assistance may be available to help offset the program fee. Kettering University and its corporate supporters cover all other program costs, which include tuition, room, board, supplies, activity fees and in some cases, transportation. 

Scholarships

Each student who successfully completes the AIM program will receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 to full tuition for the 4.5 years of their academics, if they attend Kettering University as a college freshman. 

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to obtain additional information, please contact:

Mr. Ricky D. Brown, Director
Office of Multicultural Student Initiatives
Toll-free: 800-955-4464 ext 9845 or 810-762-9845
rbrown@kettering.edu

Ms. Stephanie Jones, Associate Director
Office of Multicultural Student Initiatives
Toll-free: 800-955-4464 ext 7328 or 810-762-7328
sjones1@kettering.edu