Native Americans have every right to get higher education; therefore there are many private organizations that provide scholarships for Native Americans to increase this underrepresented minority in the United States’ education. Moreover, the federal and state governments could also be a great source for getting financial aid. Note that most of the scholarships are for smart students with confirmed financial need.
Of course, each of the scholarship requirements may differ from one another. Therefore, this time we will give you some of the scholarship providers in the United States that focus on giving financial help for native American students.
Scholarships for Native Americans Opportunities
As you know, scholarship is another form of free money that you can use for your education. It is a bit similar with grants, but in general, the grants are available, but your current financial condition can determine the eligibility.
Daughters of American Revolution (DAR)
There are currently two scholarship programs offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The first one is the Frances Crawford Marvin American Indian Scholarship. You have to have at least 3.0 average grades and provide some proof that you have Native American blood.
The second one is the American Indian Scholarship program is more like a grant. Eligible students will receive one time $1,000 financial aid, as long as you can confirm that you have American Indian blood and have at least 2.7 average grades. http://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/american-indian
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Meanwhile, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (http://www.aises.org/) provide various opportunities for American Indian students. They too offer various programs, which include A.T. Anderson Scholarship ($1,000), AISES Environmental Protection Agency Scholarship ($4,000) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Scholarship ($2,500).
Grants from American Tribes
There are several other reputable sources for this kind of scholarship. Perhaps one of the most reliable options is to search for scholarship opportunities from native American tribes. You need to show that you are indeed a member of that tribe, and you may also need to provide some evidences about your current average grades. Some of the scholarships and grants in this category are:
- Menominee Indian Tribe Adult Vocational Training Program
- Yakima Nation Tribal Scholarship
- Northern Arapaho Tribal Scholarship
- Hopi Tribe Priority Scholarship, etc.
Usually, grants and scholarships from these tribes are prioritized to those in need. The grade requirement is not as strict as many people expected.
American Indian Affairs
Since 1947, the Association on American Indian Affairs has been granting scholarships to Native American students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students who are citizens of their Native Nation, regardless of federal recognition. The funds for these scholarships come from various sources, including the Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Memorial Scholarship, the Homborg Scholarship, the Mary Hemenway Memorial Funds, and generous donors like yourself!
The Association awards scholarships twice a year until students graduate, given they maintain a 2.5 GPA and attend full-time. Their mission is to support students who have ties to their Native Nation and Country and aspire to use their education to benefit their communities.
The Association on American Indian Affairs has partnered with the American Indian College Fund to manage the administration of its long-standing scholarships! Established in 1989 by supporters of the Association, the American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to Native American students and promotes higher education among Native communities.
Additionally, the College Fund backs various academic and support initiatives at 35 accredited Tribal colleges and universities situated in Indian Country. This support ensures that students have the resources needed to complete their education and thrive in their chosen careers.
USET Scholarship Fund
The USET Education Committee offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students from USET area Indian communities. All selected undergraduate applicants receive the same amount, as do graduate applicants, during any award period. To be eligible, students must be enrolled members of one of the thirty-three USET Member Tribal Nations.
The application deadline is March 1, 2024. Completed applications should be sent to United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, either by mail or fax.
Applications are evaluated based on satisfactory academic performance and current enrollment or acceptance into a post-secondary educational institution. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more details, including scholarship policies and procedures, refer to the USET Scholarship Policies and Procedures document updated in November 2023. You can submit your application online.
Native American Scholarships
The Native American Scholarships endowment fund, established in 1988, aims to promote positive interaction between archaeologists and Native Americans. Since 1998, the fund has supported the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship.
Additional awards were available in 2009 to aid undergraduate and graduate education in archaeology. Then in 2021, Native American Scholarship offered a new award, which called Native American Women. These scholarships are funded through individual donations, a silent auction at the SAA Annual Meeting, and external grants. Here are the competitive scholarships available to consider:
SAA Arthur C. Parker Scholarship for Archaeological Training for Native Americans
This scholarship supports archaeological training for Native Americans who are students or employees of tribal, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian cultural preservation programs. Funding is flexible and not limited to field schools.
National Science Foundation Scholarship for Archaeological Training
This scholarship supports archaeological training or research programs for Native American students or employees of tribal cultural preservation programs. Funding includes tuition, field school, technical training, heritage management training, and more.
SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship
This scholarship supports undergraduate studies for Native American students. Funding covers various expenses such as tuition, travel, housing, books, and supplies.
SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship
This scholarship supports graduate studies for Native American students, covering similar expenses as the undergraduate scholarship but with a higher funding limit.
Bertha Parker Cody Award for Native American Women
This award supports undergraduate and graduate studies for Native American women in archaeology and museum studies. It covers various expenses including tuition, travel, housing, and child care. This is a partial fund award from the Autry Museum of the American West.
Other Alternatives
However, the opportunity is not limited to the list above. There are still two ways you can try to get the scholarships that is specifically towards Native Americans. First is to ask that specific college you’re attending about the available programs that support American Indian descendants.
Last but not least, you may want to try seeking help from the government. Although the government scholarship and grant programs are for all US students, underrepresented minorities like Native Americans may receive cutting edge prefer ability.
Meanwhile, you should also visit your State’s department of education office to ask about the current education support program (which may include scholarships) for you. Just submit your applications for these scholarships for Native Americans!
image : nmindepth.com
