Native Americans School Grants

It is quite unfortunate that the native people of this country have been deprived–whether intentionally or otherwise–of many of the educational advantages afforded students of other races. Such is the case for many Native Americans, many of whom have already had considerable difficulty getting a decent college education due to lack of funds.

Nevertheless, the United States government as well as several private organizations has stepped in to bridge the education gap between Native Americans and other students. Already there are a number of educational institutions that cater primarily to the needs of underprivileged Native Americans students who are otherwise deserving of a good education.

One of the most noteworthy of these establishments is the Navajo Nation tribal college, which first opened its doors to Native Americans students in 1968. Navajo Nation is maintained exclusively by tribal members, and the curriculum places extreme importance on preserving the different languages and cultures of the Native American people.

Students may also take advantage of the American Indian College Fund, which is intended to provide financial support to deserving Native American students by way of various scholarship programs. This program is augmented with private donations from it’s partner organization, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. In addition to providing a source of funds for Native American students seeking higher education, the organization’s resources are also used to in cultural preservation work, and various other programs that will benefit the Native American community.

Native American students have a number of other funding options for certain college courses or graduate studies, particularly those that deal with specific disciplines wherein Native Americans have traditionally been underrepresented. The fields of study where such grants are typically awarded are education, health care, mathematics, science, and technology. In addition, Native American students who wish to pursue a career in teaching or education may be eligible for loan repayment packages and grants, provided they agree to a teaching stint at a high need area after graduating.

Below is a list of college grants for Native American students.

1. American Baptist Financial Aid Program Native American Grants.
This program offers as much as $1000 to $2000 every year to Baptist Native American students. Application is open to both graduates and undergraduates.

2. Blackfeet Nation Higher Education Grant.
This program is awarded to 140 students of Blackfeet Tribe origin, each of who will receive $3500 every year.

3. Menominee Indian Tribe Adult Vocational Training Program.
Students who are approved for this grant will receive anywhere from $100 to $2200 every year. The program is offered to 50 to 70 Menominee tribal members who wish to enroll in a technical college.

4. Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Higher Education Grant.
This program awards $100 to $1100 to 136 Menominee tribal members every year. Applicants should be undergraduate students in any accredited college.

5. Native American Education Grants.
This program is offered to 125 qualified Native American students every year, each of who will receive $1500 to $2500 to cover annual expenses.

6. Tyonek Native Corporation Scholarship and Grant Fund.
This program is intended specifically for students of Alaskan Native American heritage, and it awards $1000 to $1500 yearly to undergraduate or graduate students from any college.