Applying for a Native American scholarship presents a great opportunity for many eligible applicants. With a Native American Scholarship students that might otherwise be unable to further their education will have a chance to create brighter futures.
Who is Eligible for Native American Scholarships?
If you are a member of a tribe that is recognized by the federal government you may be eligible for a Native American scholarship. Each Native American scholarship may defer from another in different ways. Most require some proof that the student is of Indian blood to be eligible to apply for a Native American Scholarship. There are many different methods that might be considered acceptable to prove your ancestry. Possession of a document that certifies you are of Indian blood, or CIDB card, is one way to prove your eligibility when applying for a Native American Scholarship.
Make sure that you read the requirements of each Native American scholarship you are considering applying for to be certain you are eligible. If you cannot prove that you are a member of a tribe you will likely be unable to obtain a Native American scholarship.
Where Can I Find Native American Scholarships?
There are multiple ways in which a student can find a Native American scholarship. The government offers Native American Scholarships. Private organizations and funds setup by individual tribes make excellent sources to look for Native American scholarships as well.
One place to look for Native American Scholarships is within the American Indian College Fund. This fund was formed back in 1986 by 32 tribal colleges in the United States. The purpose of the American Indian College Fund is to raise money so that they can offer Native American Scholarships to eligible applicants.
If you are a registered member of a tribe check to see if they have Native American Scholarships that are available to tribal members. Often times a tribe will setup a foundation that offers Native American Scholarships to help educate tribe members.
Check for Native American Scholarships that are offered by foundations that have a focus on Native Americans. Private organizations like this frequently offer Native American scholarships and grants to eligible applicants. Generally this type of Native American scholarship would be awarded to an applicant that wishes to study in the same field that the organization is in.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is a part of the Department of the Interior, offers Native American scholarships. Guidelines to be eligible for Native American scholarships offered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs generally require that the student must have a need for financial aid. Applicants must also be a member of a federally recognized tribe and generally must be at least 25 per cent Indian blood to qualify for a Native American scholarship.
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a Native American scholarship offered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs you must file your application with the office that is responsible for handling the Native American scholarship applications from your tribe. Other things that may be required when submitting your application for a Native American scholarship are high school transcripts, a letter of acceptance to an accredited college, and your CIDB card.