What are Native American Scholarships
Native American scholarships support the education goals of Native American students seeking to attend college. There are many scholarships available to minorities and underrepresented communities, and of these minority scholarships quite a few are dedicated to helping Native American students achieve their education goals.
Examples of Native American scholarships
If you're a Native American, there are special scholarship opportunities available. The federal and state governments, tribal councils, and schools recognize that Native American students are under-represented on many college campuses.
Scholarships for Native Americans are specific and can be competitive. Consider the following options:
- The American Indian College Fund caters specifically to American Indian or Alaskan Native students attending or looking to attend tribal colleges or accredited public and non-profit private colleges.
- The Bureau of Indian Affairs offers supplemental financial assistance to eligible American Indian or Alaskan Native scholars seeking a college degree.
- The CSDIW Native American Scholarship offers $500 to $5000 scholarships to Native American students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a desire to return to their communities and help others realize their dreams.
- The IHS Scholarship Program aims to help American Indian and Alaska Native students achieve their goal of seeking a career in the health professions field. A two-year service commitment within a Native American health program in your chosen health profession discipline.
- The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship awards scholarships to college students seeking careers in leadership, public service and environmental issues related to Native American nations.
How To Apply for Native American Scholarships
Many Native American scholarships are available and students should become familiar with all the scholarships they may be eligible for. After researching all available scholarships, students can compile a list of scholarships they qualify for and start applying. Be sure to note the deadline dates for each scholarship. It's also a good idea to read the requirements for entry, as many scholarships may request official transcripts or a letter of recommendation or require student's write an essay. Some may even request financial documents from your parents in order to assess their financial situation. It's also important to note that eligibility for Native American Scholarships relies heavily on a student's background, such as tribal lineage (some scholarships target specific tribes).