Scholarships

Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program (MITTP)

The Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program (MITTP) prepares American Indian students who are pursuing a degree or certification in field of education. MITTP provides grants and student support for American Indian students. MITTP is available through MN statute 122A.63, subd. 1, which states, “A grant program is established to assist American Indian people to become teachers and to provide additional education for American Indian teachers.”

  1. All applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. By applying for MITTP you are agreeing to participate in required MITTP support activities at your local institution.
  3. In order to participate in the MITTP program, applicants must meet the requirements of their attending institution.

Please follow the steps indicated in the application to ensure eligibility for the program. Submit the application including attachments to UMD's American Indian Learning Resource Center: [email protected]

Ethel Curry American Indian Scholarship (University of Minnesota System) 

  1. May be an undergraduate student.
  2. Must be enrolled full-time at UMD.
  3. Must be at least 1/4 Indian American Indian. (Tribal Verification)  *This can be combined blood but needs to be documented
  4. Preference should be given to freshmen.
  5. Renewable for up to four years.
  6. Good academic standing must be maintained (i.e., 2.0 GPA)
  7. Preference should be given to Minnesota residents.

Ethel Curry was born in Hixton, Wisconsin, in 1888. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1914 with a B.A. in Mathematics and Biology. After graduation, Ms. Curry was accepted to two medical schools, but due to health considerations, did not attend either. She instead worked for the Mayo Clinic for nearly 40 years as a surgical secretary. According to her niece, Jeanne Angel, Ms. Curry lived simply and frugally, without a television or telephone. She was a lifelong scholar with a lively, inquiring mind and an independent spirit. Her tremendous wealth was attained through investments in Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). Ms. Curry was a warm and sociable person, with compassion for American Indian people.  Ethel Curry died in 1995 at the age of 107.

Please send tribal verification to UMD's American Indian Learning Resource Center: [email protected] Please note, there are two separate applications, one through UMD and one through the Minnesota Department of Education.

Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED)

The SEED Award program honors and acknowledges diverse students who are doing outstanding work at the University of Minnesota, both in and out of the classroom.

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 through a generous gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.  The SMSC scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need to the University of Minnesota.

Morris K. Udall Foundation

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. 

For more information and to get registered to apply for the online application, please contact UMD's Faculty Rep, Rachel Breckenridge, [email protected] or UMD's American Indian Learning Resource Center: [email protected]

University of Minnesota Duluth's Cristina Guimaraes Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria: Specified by donors, Dr. Omar and Mrs. Susan Guimaraes

  1. Plus Factors: American Indian/ Alaskan Native
  2. Student Status: Returning students only of Sophomore, Junior or Senior Status.
  3. Full-time: Undergraduate students only.
  4. Financial need: Preferred but not required.
  5. Major: Biological sciences
  6. Achievement: Returning student GPA 2.5 minimum 
  7. Renewability-(per semester)
    1. Qualifications for renewal
    2. GPA 2.5 minimum
    3. Credits completed (24 credits per year minimum)
    4. Limit (four years of support) 

Funding: Annual Gift, dollar amount $2200 equally distributed ($1,100. Fall and $1,100 Spring Semester)

For more information, please contact UMD's American Indian Learning Resource Center: [email protected]

UMD AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP

Background

UMD American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) students and others have made significant contributions to the university, community and beyond. AI/AN Alumni and others are looking back at their experience at UMD and are eager to help today's students.

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist American Indian/Alaskan Native community volunteers in their academic endeavors. As former students, the  American Indian/Alaskan Native Alumni and others remember what it was like to attend college being non-traditional students, heads of households- with children at home, working part-time jobs and trying to make ends meet. This scholarship will make things easier for students today.

Selection Criteria

Student(s) must:

  • In accordance with the donors; wishes, the student must be a UMD student with a demonstrated commitment to volunteering with the American Indian/Alaskan Native Community
  • Be in good academic standing (2.5 G.P.A. or better)
  • Financial need preferred but not required
  • Scholarship may be given to a first year, second year, third year or fourth year student
  • Scholarship is renewable
  • Transfer students are eligible

For more information, please contact UMD's American Indian Learning Resource Center: [email protected]

Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who are one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate financial need for an award. 

Lac Courte Oreilles Band Of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

(Complete application and criteria available in AILRC Scholarship binder)

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Must be an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Orielles Band of Lake Superior Indians: and 
  2. Must be enrolled or accepted into a college or university; or a technical or vocational school or program working towards an undergraduate or post-graduate degree; or certification or license.

Questions: please contact Rosalie Gokee at (715) 634-8934 ext. 277, or email: [email protected] 
Application Deadline:  Scholarship application materials must be submitted between January 1 and March 31 

FORD MOTOR COMPANY AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND CORPORATE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Eligibility: 

  1. Have at least a 3.0 G.P.A.,have achieved sophomore status and have declared a major in accounting, computer science, computer, electrical or mechanical engineering; finance; information systems; marketing or operations management. Demonstrate leadership and commitment to the American Indian community.  Be American Indian, Alaska Native or Hawaii Native with proof of enrollment or descendancy.
  2. Have submitted a Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)
  3. Attend one of the accredited colleges or universities listed in the application at http://www.collegefund.org (UMD is one of them)

Scholarship Links

AILRC does not have forms for the following scholarships

All Degree Levels (Including High School Students)

NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) Minority Scholarships

NAJA (Native American Journalist Association) Scholarships

Select the Program Tab, then Students, then Scholarships 

Miss Indian USA

HANA United Methodist Scholarship

Bureau Of Indian Affairs Higher Education Resources

Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

DAR National Society(Daughters of the American Indian Scholarship)

AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society)

Contact person for listed AISES Scholarships:
Tina Peno
PO Box 9828, Albuquerque, NM
(505) 765-1052 ext. 105 

AISES

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

  1. Enrolled tribal member of 1/4 or more
  2. Member of AISES (dues= $25 for High School Student)
  3. Pursuing a major in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Natural Resources or Math

$1000
Applications Available mid-January
Deadline June 15

AISES
  1. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Scholarship
  2. Enrolled in federally recognized tribe
  3. Member of AISES (dues= $25 for High School Student)
  4. Resident of AZ, CA, CO, MN, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD or WA
  5. 2.0 GPA 
  6. Pursuing a major in Business, Engineering, Math, Medicine/Health Administration, Natural/Physical Sciences, Technology or Education.

$2500 for 4 years
Applications available mid-January
Deadline April 15

AISES

General Motors Engineering Scholarship

  1. Enrolled tribal member of a federally recognized tribe of 1/4 or more
  2. Member of AISES (dues= $25 for High School Student)
  3. 3.0 GPA 
  4. Pursuing a major in Engineering preferred electrical industrial or mechanical engineering 

$3000/yr
Application Available mid-January
Deadline June 15

AISES

IBM

  1. Enrolled tribal member of a federally recognized tribe of 1/4 or more
  2. Member of AISES (dues= $25 for High School Student)
  3. 3.2 GPA
  4. Pursuing a major in Math, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Engineering or Information Systems

$1000 for 3.2 GPA
$1500 for 3.5 GPA
$3000 for 3.7 GPA
Applications available mid-January
Deadline July TBA

Minnesota Chippewa Tribal Scholarships

MESBEC Program
Tribal Business Program

  1. 1/4 or more American Indian and enrolled in a federally recognized tribe
  2. Excellent GPA
  3. High ACT or SAT score
  4. Work Experience
  5. Leadership Experience
  6. Must enroll as a full time student intending to complete a BA degree or higher field of studying math, engineering, science, business, education and computers OR field of study in business, finance, management, economics, hotel management or related areas who plan to work in economic development of tribes
  7. Career goal must be related to the betterment of a tribal community and work toward goal already begun. 
  8. Students required to apply to multiple scholarships to be considered

$500-$5000 "Lifetime Scholarship" will continue as long as student needs to complete educational goal

Catching the Dream
First Sergeant Douglas and Charlotte DeHorse Scholarship

  1. 1/4 or more American Indian and enrolled in a federally recognized tribe
  2. Completed 1 yr of an Army Air Force or Navy JROTC program
  3. Students required to apply to multiple scholarships to be considered

Amount TBA

Catching the Dream
8200 Mountain Rd. NE, Suite 203
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 262-2351 ext 116

Deadlines:
April 15 for Fall
September 15 for Spring

Mae Lasey/Osage Scholarships

AIGC American Indian Graduate Center

AAIA Scholarships (Association of American Indian Affairs)

AAIA Scholarships are open to American Indian and Alaska Native students who of Indian blood or more and are enrolled citizens of their tribes.  The exception is the Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship.

AAIA Scholarships:
  • Adolph Van Pelt Scholarship
  • Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarships*
  • Emilie Hesemeyer Memorial Scholarship
  • Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Memorial Scholarship
  • Florence Young Memorial Fellowship
  • David Risling Emergency Aid Scholarship
  • Displaced Homemaker Scholarship
  • Sequoyah Graduate Scholarship 
  • Association on American Indian Affairs Emergency Aid Scholarship

Students need submit one complete application package only. They will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.
Questions please contact: Lisa Wyzlic: [email protected] 

Lisa Wyzlic 
Director of Scholarship Programs Assoc. on Am. Ind. Affairs
996 Hungerford Dr. Suite 12B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240)314-7155

AAIA Association on American Indian Affairs Emergency Aid Scholarship
  1. Available to Native American Undergraduates of any major who need funds for an emergency situation.
  2. Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
  3. Approximately 20 awards are given each year between $100 and $400.
  4. Available only for Fall and Spring Semesters.

Association on American Indian Affairs
ENA Scholarship
966 Hunterford Drive Ste 12 B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155

Indian Health Services Scholarships

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Saul T. Wilson Scholarship

Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship Program

Research Assistantships for Minority High School Students

College Students

American Indian Services

Presbyterian Church USA: Native American Education Grant

International Order of The King's Daughters and Sons

Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students

UMD Magnuson Minority Scholarship

The announcement will go out to students in early Spring and here is the criteria for students to qualify for the scholarship.

  • Applicants must be a full-time UMD student during the upcoming academic year.
  • Identify as an African, African-American, Hispanic/Latino/Chicano, American Indian or Asian student
  • Completed at least one semester at UMD
  • Have financial need and have filed a Student Aid Report
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Involved in community service, social justice or other related activities on campus or in the community. 

For More Information Contact: Susana Woodward at: [email protected]

Graduate Students

Native Nurses Career Opportunity Program

Students MLA/NLM Spectrum Scholarship

Other (List of Scholarships, Internships, Tax Credits)

INROADS

Internship placement for minority students

American Political Science Association Minority Scholar Resources

A large listing of minority scholarships, grants and internships for Political Science, etc.

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society -Great Lakes Region

Purpose of Award

To Assist Native American Students in pursuing a course of study leading toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources, fisheries, wildlife management, resource recreation, forestry, conservation law enforcement, or environmental science.
Spring Semester
Maximum Award: $500.00

One individual from a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota will be chosen. Individuals are eligible to use this award for any aspect of an undergraduate, technical, or graduate education, including tuition, textbooks, equipment, travel, and living expenses.

Eligible Applicant

  1. Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
  2. Must be a full time student at an accredited institution of higher education in a natural resource or related field.
  3. Applicants must have completed one academic semester at an institution of higher education in a natural resource or a related field.

Application

  1. Proof of enrollment in an accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Submit appropriate high school, undergraduate or graduate transcripts.
  3. Three Letters of recommendation.
    1. Tribal Representative
    2. Teacher Professor, Counselor, etc.
    3. Community Member
  4. Education and Career Commitment Essay- "What Do You Want to do After College?"
  5. Evidence of scholastic and service awards(if available)

If you are on the University of Minnesota Duluth Campus please stop by the AILRC office at 315 Kirby Plaza, for an application.  Our office hours are Monday -Friday 8:00 to 4:30 PM.

Reviewers Address

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society-Great Lakes
Mr. Donald Reiter, Regional Director
P.O. Box 385
Keshena, Wisconsin 54135

Page Foundation College Scholarships

Deadline: May 1
Established by Alan Page, the former Minnesota Vikings great, and member of the Minnesota Supreme Court, the Page Education Foundation encourages participation of Minnesota Students of Color in post-secondary education.  Approximately 500 renewable grants ranging from $900 to $2400 per year awarded.  Recipients must complete a service-to-children project that involves helping younger children of color by acting as mentor and role models for approximately two hours per week during the school year. Successful applicants must express a willingness to perform service to children and maintain a positive attitude towards education, and demonstrate financial need.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Provides scholarships and fellowships for outstanding Native American students.  Application by Nomination. Minimum GPA 3.3. Must have demonstrated leadership commitment through participation and community service, extracurricular activities or other activities that reflect leadership abilities.  Funds available for tuition, fees, books, and living costs.  Any major may apply, undergraduate and graduate students.

Carol E. MacPherson Memorial Scholarship & MN Alumnae Society Scholarship

  1. Women students (28 years of age or older) who have taken a five or more year break in education. 
  2. Demonstrate financial need.
  3. Admission or pending admission to an undergraduate or graduate/professional degree or credit certificate program at any U of MN campus.
  4. Meet half-time enrollment status minimum.
  5. Provide academic transcripts of all college/post-secondary enrollment.
  6. Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed at least 3 weeks before the scholarship deadline.
  7. Good academic standing at the University of Minnesota
  8. Submit support letters from two references who have known student & her educational goals.

Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund

Granted to those who have graduated from a high school located in certain Minnesota counties. Must have graduated in top 20% of class or have scored higher than 28 on ACT, and have an affinity for science. Applications available at the AILRC, 315 Kirby Plaza.

Deadline: January 15.

Emergency Aid and Health Professional Scholarships

For full-time undergraduate students, based on financial need. Applications available at the AILRC, 315 KPLZ. Applications accepted September 1 to May 1.

Sequoya Graduate Fellowship

For students pursuing graduate degrees in various fields. Applications available at the AILRC, 315 KPLZ. Deadline: October 1.

McNair Scholars Program

Designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate school and doctoral study. As an applicant for the McNair Scholars Program, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • be income eligible and be first-generation (neither parent has a bachelor's degree), or
  • be from a group that is historically underrepresented in graduate school (American Indian, Latino American, African American), and
  • have demonstrated academic ability
  • have achieved junior class standing
  • have expressed a desire to complete doctoral work
  • *be a citizen or permanent resident of the US.

Air Force ROTC

Scholarship Actions Program

For college students in technical degree programs. Applications available at the AILRC, 315 Kirby Plaza. Deadline: January 31.

Two Feathers Fund American Indian Scholarship

Applications available at the AILRC, 315 Kirby Plaza. Deadline: April 15

Two Feathers Fund Health Initiative Scholarship

Applications available at the AILRC, 315 Kirby Plaza. For students in health-related fields. No deadline.

Richard W. Tanner Scholarship Fund

Applications available at the AILRC, 315 Kirby Plaza. For Juniors or Seniors in college. Deadline: April 15.

Aboriginal Achievement

For undergraduates and graduate students who are Canadian Aboriginal peoples (First Nations Status and non-Status, Métis and Inuit.) Deadline: June 15.

Aboriginal Veteran's Scholarship

For undergraduate students pursuing all areas related to economic development and self-government. Deadline: June 15.

Write for Application Only Scholarships

Association on American Indian Affairs Emergency Aid Scholarship

  1. Available to Native American Undergraduates of any major who need funds for an emergency situation.
  2. Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
  3. Approximately 20 awards are given each year between $100 and $400.
  4. Available only for Fall and Spring Semesters.

Association on American Indian Affairs
ENA Scholarship
966 Hunterford Drive Ste 12 B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155

Massachusetts Indian Association Scholarship Fund
Massachusetts Indian Association
245 Rockland Rd.
Carlisle, MA 01741 
Phone: 617-326-8495
Provides Undergraduate and Graduate scholarships--write for application

Continental Society, Daughters of Indian Wars
c/o Mrs. Donald C. Trolinger, Scholarship Chair
61300 East 110 Road
Miami, OK 74354 USA 
[email protected]
For enrolled tribal members of any tribe who major in education or social services majors. Awards of $500 are available. Deadline in June.

Indian Education and Psychology Fellowships
US Department of Education
Room 2177, Mail Stop 6267
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202
(202) 732-1924 
For enrolled members of any tribe majoring in psychology, guidance counseling or related areas. Fellowships range from $600 - $24,000 various deadlines.

Arrow Supplemental Scholarship Program
Arrow, Inc.
1000 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 401
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-0685
Deadline: No
Requirements: Write for more information 

Unto These Hills Educational Fund/Scholarship
Contact: Scholarship Coordinator
Unto These Hills Educational Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 398
Cherokee, NC 28719
(704) 497-2111
Annual awards for members of the eastern band of Cherokee Indians. Students must have a minimum of 2.0 GPA. In addition to application, student must submit copy of their tribal enrollment card. Due dates may vary. Contact the Fund for more information and/or application; Please Enclose a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope. The fund cannot assist in establishing Cherokee Heritage.

MIGIZI COMMUNICATIONS, INC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

  • Madeline Moose Scholarship Fund- Ojibwe Language and culture studies as part of degree program
  • Walter 'Porky' White Scholarship Fund- environmental or natural resources program, undergraduate level
  • First Person Journalism Scholarship Fund-undergraduate journalism or mass communications program

Grant Limit: $500.00

To be eligible, the following must be on file with the Indian Education Office, Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program, Minnesota Dept. of Children Families and Learning.

  1. Minnesota Indian Scholarship Application
  2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  3. Proof of tribal enrollment and/or blood quantum from a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Community. 

Send to:

The Scholarship Committee
MIGIZI Communications, Inc.
3123 East Lake Street, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55406