AIM Squad Digital Marketing Scholarship
A $1,000 annual scholarship from AIM Squad, open only to members of the American Marketing Association chapter at Cal Poly Pomona. See requirements and apply.
5.0 ★★★★★Google reviewsAIM Squad started in 2018 with one founder, a camera, and a belief that local businesses deserved better online marketing. Our founder attended Cal Poly Pomona, so this scholarship goes back to where it started.
Since then we’ve launched more than 600 websites. The scholarship is open exclusively to members of AMA at Cal Poly Pomona, the campus chapter of the American Marketing Association.
AIM SquadWhittier, CA · Since 2018
Who Can Apply
EligibilityMembership is verified with chapter officers before the award is released.
Current member in good standing of AMA at Cal Poly Pomona.
Undergraduate or graduate student, any major.
Minimum 3.0 GPA at the time you apply.
Membership is confirmed with chapter officers before funds are released.
The Essay Prompt
Pick a real local business in your community. It could be a restaurant, a contractor, a salon, a clinic, or any business that depends on nearby customers. Then, in 600 to 1,000 words, answer this question:
“If you ran this business’s marketing for one year, what would you change about how customers find it online, and why?”
Your essay should cover
Search for the business the way a customer would. What comes up on Google, in Google Maps, and when you ask an AI assistant like ChatGPT? What’s working, and what’s missing?
Name the two or three changes that would make the biggest difference. These could involve the website, the Google Business Profile, reviews, content, or AI search visibility.
How would the owner know your plan worked? Think about calls, bookings, foot traffic, or revenue.
Include the business name and city. Screenshots are welcome and don’t count toward your word count.
How essays are judged
Did you actually look, and are your points specific to this business?
Could the owner act on your ideas next week?
Is your writing clear and easy to follow?
Does the essay sound like you?
You don’t need technical expertise or marketing jargon. The best essays read like advice from a sharp friend, not a textbook.
Using AI
We use AI every day at AIM Squad, and you’re welcome to use it as a tool. But the thinking has to be yours. AI can help you get the work done. It can’t do the work for you.
How we check: Every submission is run through an AI detection test to measure how much of it was AI-generated. Finalists will also have a short video call to walk us through their essay and explain their thinking. If the ideas are yours, that conversation will be easy.
Essays found to be mostly AI-generated will be disqualified.
Key Dates
How to Apply
Your application is in! Applications close May 1, 2027, and we’ll announce the winner on June 1, 2027. Good luck!
Scholarship Rules
- Only one entry per applicant.
- Essays must be your own work. AI may assist, but the strategy and plan must be yours (see Using AI). Plagiarized or mostly AI-generated entries will be disqualified.
- The winner must provide proof of enrollment at Cal Poly Pomona and active AMA chapter membership before funds are released.
- Submitted essays may be shared on aimsquad.com with the winner’s permission.
- AIM Squad employees and their immediate families are not eligible.
- Questions can be sent to careers@aimsquad.com.