Scholarship & Educational Resources Program
The Program plays a critical role in our mission of nurturing and investing in the future of young Native minds. It provides vital educational resources, culturally-sensitive mentoring and career development advice to low income Native American students who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a Massachusetts state college or university.
Additionally, through this program, valuable historical information is shared to students for college essays and thesis through interviews with Native educators, historians, and other successful Native professionals.
And finally, with funds raised through private donations and special fundraising events, the program awards annual scholarships to students to use toward college related expenses such as books, meals, travel and supplies.
These services assure that students are given the opportunity to compete for a college education or comparable degree/certification program. An important goal of the program is to encourage students to use their newly-gained knowledge to give back to their communities.
Students who currently receive the Native American Tuition Credit through the Commission on Indian Affairs are eligible to apply for our scholarship. Recipients are pre-selected via application process then invited to attend a virtual Meet & Greet. The event includes members of the community, parents and family of the recipients, and traditional Elders all who provide students with critical community connections and support. A few days later, final applicants are selected and notified.
For more information on the Commission's Tuition Credit Program, click HERE. All Massachusetts Public Colleges and Universities accept the Native American Tuition Credit. For a list, click HERE.
We’re grateful to be a 2022 recipient of a $100,000 grant through the Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program. The funds will be disbursed over 4-years and will help support the Scholarship & Educational Resources Program.
We’re excited to announce that in July 2024 we were selected to receive a $56,000 grant from the Native Youth Empowerment Fund (NYEF). Funds will be used towards college scholarships as well as for youth cultural enrichment activities.
Attending a community college in Massachusetts is now tuition and fee free for all!
In August 2024, Governor Healey signed a bill into law that allows all Massachusetts residents, who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, to attend a Massachusetts community college for free. Through MassEdcucate and MassReconnect Programs, both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students no matter your age or income.
For more details, eligibility criteria, how to apply, names of the community colleges, etc. click HERE.
Reach out to the community college where you are enrolled or intend to enroll. Their financial aid office can help you find out what you are eligible for in addition to free tuition and fees.
Educational Guidebooks & Resources
The American Indian College Fund Guidebook. With generous support from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the American Indian College Fund has published an invaluable tool for Native American high school students seeking higher education. Native Pathways: A College-Going Guidebook provides content related to how to get into college, choose a school, pay for it, and what to expect the first year in a way that speaks to Native cultures and experiences as students consider attending college.
BestColleges.com: A site that features a number of college planning tools and academic resources. For most students, the college planning process begins long before any applications are filled out. This site features resources that guide students through the transition to higher education, whether it's financial, academic, adjustment to lifestyle. Among our resources are: College Planning for Parents and Students, Writing Guide for Undergrads, College Resources for Disabled Students, and Student Renter's Guide. CLICK HERE to go to their home page and see financial opportunities for minority students. CLICK HERE for college resources.
For our Cape Cod Students! The Cape Cod Foundation currently administers over 90 scholarship funds. They award scholarships to support students in the region to pursue degrees or complete certificate programs. They offer a variety of scholarships to support all types of educational paths. For details on the requirements and deadlines, click HERE.
Finding Scholarships, Grants and Other Assistance: This guidebook was created to help students from many minority groups -- including African American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander, and others –to better understand their financial aid options. The guide includes a wealth of resources intended to help minority students and their families through the scholarship and financial aid process. These resources include:
- A list of scholarships available to students from various minority groups
- A step-by-step guide to finding scholarships and grants
- A breakdown of the many types of financial aid available
Echo Lynch, a long-time Financial Aid Program Officer helped develop the guidebook, providing an in-depth look at the nuances of today's financial aid. During her 18-year tenure, Lynch has served countless first-generation and low-income minority students and their families. CLICK HERE to access the website.
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internship Program provides educational opportunities for students interested in the museum profession and related fields. Interns complete projects using the resources of the NMAI and other Smithsonian offices. Internships are an opportunity for students to learn about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies, and to meet professionals in the museum field. Interns are selected by a review committee made up of five NMAI staff. Approximately twenty-five percent of applicants are accepted for internships during any one-year period. For more details on upcoming offers and eligibility guidelines, please CLICK HERE.
OnlineColleges.me connects students to fully accredited and flexible online colleges and degree programs across the U.S. Learn how to find the school and program that fits your educational and career needs. For more details, CLICK HERE.
Scholarship Resource Guide for American Indian/Alaska Native Students. In this resource guide, some scholarships are specific to a certain tribe, some specific to a geographical area, and some specific to a field of study. CLICK HERE to see the list.
Scholarships
AGRICULTURE/HORTICULTURE/FARMING
The Russell Orchards Annual Scholarship. Russell Orchards is a 120-acre fruit farm with bakery, winery, retail store, and pick-your-own fruits located on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Pawtucket people, in Ipswich, MA. In accordance with its Land Acknowledgment and Action Plan (2022), Russell Orchards seeks college-bound Native American applicants for its annual $2,500 scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and intention to pursue the study of agriculture, horticulture, or farming-related field. CLICK HERE for the application. Deadline: August 30th.
The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program & Scholarship. The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, and books each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 35 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities. More details HERE. Deadline: April 9th.
APPLIED POLITICS
The George Washington University's Native American Political Leadership Program provides academic scholarships with funding from AT&T for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students to experience an introduction to the nation’s capital and opportunities to study the public policy decision-making process, governmental functions and politics in a democratic society. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: Closed.
BUSINESS
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) Scholarship Program. The program is open to full-time junior, senior or graduate student who are majoring in a business related field. Students who are enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education are encouraged to apply for the program. The purpose of the program provides scholarships to eligible students who are seeking higher education. The award amount varies and expenses including lodging, ground transportation, and airfare within the U.S. will be provided by NCAIED. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: July 7th.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Pathway Scholarship. The NACME Pathway Scholarship is for first-year college students majoring in engineering or computer science. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per student for the first year, and is renewable for at least $2,500 per year until graduation as long as the student meets GPA requirements as a full-time student. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: Open.
EDUCATION
The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars (CSDIW) awards two Native American Scholarships annually, $2,500, and $5,000. Applicants must submit an application by June 15 each year. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: June 15th.
ENGINEERING
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Pathway Scholarship. The NACME Pathway Scholarship is for first-year college students majoring in engineering or computer science. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per student for the first year, and is renewable for at least $2,500 per year until graduation as long as the student meets GPA requirements as a full-time student. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: Open.
GENERAL
American Indians College Fund – Full Circle Scholarship provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: May 31st.
American Indian Graduate Center offers more than 30 scholarships and fellowships that fund undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: June 1st.
The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens/ members of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government. The Association’s scholarships are funded by an endowment from the Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Memorial Scholarship, the Homborg Scholarship and the Mary Hemenway Memorial Funds, and private donors. The Association's Scholarships are provided to students twice per year until they graduate, as long as they maintain a 2.5 GPA and attend full-time. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: May 31st.
The Cape Cod Foundation currently administers over 90 scholarship funds to students on Cape Cod. They award scholarships to support students in the region to pursue degrees or complete certificate programs. They offer a variety of scholarships to support all types of educational paths. For details on the requirements and deadlines, CLICK HERE. Deadline: Most around March 1st.
The Cobell Scholarship was established as the result of the Cobell v. Salazar settlement. It is competitive, awarded on merit first then disbursed based on unmet need, non-renewable, and available to any post-secondary (after high school) individual who is: an enrolled member of a US Federally Recognized Tribe, enrolled in full-time study, and is degree seeking. Applicants must plan to attend or be attending any nationally, regionally and industry accredited non-profit, public or private institution. Applicants must be pursuing a vocational certificate or diploma, associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral or professional degree, or certificate. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: March 31st.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships. This scholarship is awarded to help Native Americans students of any age, any tribe and in any state striving to get an education at the undergraduate or graduate levels. However, undergraduate students are given preference. All awards are judged based on financial need and academic achievement. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: Nov. 1st-Jan 31st.
Grants, Internships and Scholarships For Native Americans. Currently Native Americans are one of the most under-represented groups in college, and can face limited resources and access to quality education on reservations. Fortunately there are many Grants, Internships and Scholarships available to Native Americans to help build a stronger and highly educated Native American community. Here's a LINK to some funds available to Native Americans. Deadline: Varies.
Grants & Scholarships for Native Americans. For Native Americans looking to attend school, there are a number of grants and scholarships that can help reduce these costs. Are you hoping to further your education without breaking the bank? Check out these grants and scholarships. CLICK HERE. Deadline: Varies.
Massachusetts Indian Council, based in New Bedford, MA, is a new regional division of the Rhode Island Indian Council. Some of the services they provide include tuition assistance, text books and supplies. These services are available to low income, state and federally enrolled tribal members who are living in Massachusetts. For eligibility requirements, CLICK HERE. For the on-line intake form, CLICK HERE. For more details, call or e-mail Colleen DeVicentis: 401-781-1098 EXT. 304 or colleen@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org Deadline: Rolling
Native American Tuition Credit. If you are a Native American living in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for a tuition credit at a Massachusetts state college or university. CLICK HERE for details. Deadlines: July 15th (Fall) and Dec. 15th (Spring).
Thanksgiving Day Scholarship for Wampanoag students. Scroll down the page of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants (MSMD) to find this scholarship opportunity. These two $1500 awards are given by the MSMD in recognition of the Wampanoag Nation’s assistance to our Pilgrim ancestors. The scholarship can be used at any accredited non-profit college or university in the United States. This scholarship is awarded annually in June and is to be used for college related expenses.Deadlines: Jan 31st (First year) and Aug. 15th (2nd-4th years).
The USET Scholarship Fund. The USET Education Committee will award all selected undergraduate applicants an equal amount in any award period. In addition, the USET Education Committee will award all selected graduate applicants an equal amount in any award period. Supplemental monies are awarded to USET area Indian students who are enrolled members of one of the thirty-three USET Member Tribal Nations. CLICK HERE for the details. Deadline: Jan. 15th.
The Yawkey Scholars Program is designed to make college affordable for talented, motivated, low-income high school seniors from Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina who are among the first generation in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree. It provides a four-year renewable tuition scholarship and other supports to help students achieve academically and go on to be successful and highly productive members of our community. For details, CLICK HERE. Deadline: Open.
HEALTH CARE/NURSING
The American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program (AIMS) was started by the NSCDA in 1928 to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: June 1st.
IHS Scholarship Program provides qualified American Indian and Alaska Native health professions students an opportunity to establish an educational foundation for each stage of your pre-professional careers. If you are willing to commit to working in Indian health communities where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to take the next step toward realizing your future. The scholarship program provides financial support in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment within an Indian health program in your chosen health professional discipline. CLICK HERE for all the details. Deadline: Dec. 15th-Feb. 28th.
Scholarships for Healthcare and Nursing Students of Historically Underrepresented Groups. Historically underrepresented groups are those who have, throughout history, had lower representation in higher education or certain careers due to structural discrimination and racism. As recently as 2018, college enrollment rates were significantly lower for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Pacific Islander or Native/Indigenous Americans in the 18- to 24-year-old age group than for their white counterparts. CLICK HERE for scholarships that are open to students nationwide who are historically in underrepresented groups. Opportunities for Native students appear half way down the page. Deadline: Rolling-April-May, Jan.
JOURNALISM/MEDIA
The National Press Club and NPC Journalism Institute are proud to administer four scholarships honoring promising future journalists serving their communities. CLICK HERE to learn more. Deadlines: March 31st and April 15th.
NAJA-Facebook Journalism Project Scholarship. The Native American Journalists Association is committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous journalists in mainstream media. NAJA supports and empowers members through annual scholarship opportunities for Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations and Métis students. CLICK HERE for more info. Deadline: N/A
LAW
Grants, Internships and Scholarships For Native Americans. Currently Native Americans are one of the most under-represented groups in college, and can face limited resources and access to quality education on reservations. Fortunately there are many Grants, Internships and Scholarships available to Native Americans to help build a stronger and highly educated Native American community. Here's a LINK to some funds available to Native Americans. Deadline: Varies.
PUBLIC SERVICE (commitment to Native American environment)
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: March 2nd.
REAL ESTATE
Future Real Estate Professionals. Study.com wants to help students interested in getting into real estate by bearing some of the financial burden of their education. CLICK HERE for more details if you’re interested in becoming: Real estate sales agents; Real estate brokers; Real estate appraisers; Real estate property managers; or Real estate counselors.
SCIENCE (atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences)
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Minority Scholarship is geared towards groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences— especially Hispanic, Native American and Black students—the AMS Minority Scholarship awards $6,000 to students entering their first year of college. Awardees receive the funds over the first two years of college. Deadline: Feb. 24th.
SOCIAL SERVICE
The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars (CSDIW) awards two Native American Scholarships annually, $2,500, and $5,000. Applicants must submit an application by June 15 each year. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: June. 15th.
STEM
Catching the Dream is a national Native American education and scholarship center and helps Native college students and works to improve Indian schools. They provide supplementary scholarship funding for those students who have received financial assistance from other sources. They ask students to apply for all sources of funding for which they are eligible. Once they select students, the students are guaranteed funding for four years and beyond should they go on to graduate degrees. They never have to apply again. CTD ask students to contact them early in their senior year of high school or even as early as their freshman year. CLICK HERE to visit their website. Deadline: Open.
The Gates Scholarship is one of the top scholarships for minorities in STEM—science, engineering, technology and mathematics. It’s a last-dollar financial aid award for minority high school seniors from low-income households. It’s designed to cover the full cost of attendance that isn’t covered by other financial aid, such as Pell Grants and institutional awards. CLICK HERE for details. Deadline: Sept. 15th but varies.
Grants, Internships and Scholarships For Native Americans. Currently Native Americans are one of the most under-represented groups in college, and can face limited resources and access to quality education on reservations. Fortunately there are many Grants, Internships and Scholarships available to Native Americans to help build a stronger and highly educated Native American community. Here's a LINK to some funds available to Native Americans. Deadline: Varies.
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Pathway Scholarship. The NACME Pathway Scholarship is for first-year college students majoring in engineering or computer science. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per student for the first year, and is renewable for at least $2,500 per year until graduation as long as the student meets GPA requirements as a full-time student. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadline: Open.
VOCATIONAL
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships. This scholarship is awarded to help Native Americans students of any age, any tribe and in any state striving to get an education at the undergraduate or graduate levels. However, undergraduate students are given preference. All awards are judged based on financial need and academic achievement. CLICK HERE for more details. Deadlines: Nov. 1st and Jan. 31st.
WOMEN
Native American Women Scholarships. Female Native Americans are often underrepresented within the higher education community. Typically from a low socio-economic society, female Native Americans do not have access to the resources other student groups do that make it easier for them to attend college. Because of this harsh reality, female Native American students need to search high and low for scholarships and grants to help them afford a higher education. CLICK HERE for opportunities. Deadline: Varies/Open.
