Native American Grants

Native Americans have traditionally been underrepresented in America’s colleges and universities. Several scholarship and grant programs have been created to help Native American students afford to attend college. To be eligible for most of this financial aid, a student must obtain a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This certificate provides confirmation that the student is at least one-quarter Native American.

Native American Grants For College

American Indian College Fund

Established in 1989, the American Indian College Fund has become the largest scholarship program for American Indians. This fund provides financial assistance to the 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the United States. These universities are recognized for their commitment to preserve Native American heritage and culture. The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students at tribal and non-tribal colleges. During the 2011-12 academic year, the Fund distributed scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

The Adolph Van Pelt Special Fund for Indian Scholarship

The Adolph Van Pelt Special Fund for Indian Scholarship provides $1,500 for undergraduate students. Eligible students must obtain a CDIB from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Because this grant is not renewable, applicants must re-apply yearly.

The Tyonek Native Corporation

The Tyonek Native Corporation offers three types of financial aid to Native American students. Tyonek offers general semester scholarships to undergraduate students, Vocational Grants for students enrolled in vocational or trade schools, and grants to reimburse students for college necessities. These grants will reimburse students expenses such as books and technology.

The Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal program that was created to promote the health of Native American people and their communities. Together with federal agencies and academic institutions, the IHS offers grants that encourage Native Americans to pursue careers in health care. Grants are available to Native American students pursuing a career in nursing, medicine or psychology.

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program was implemented with the goal of strengthening tribal institutions’ abilities to provide instruction in critical needs areas related to food and agriculture. These critical needs areas include improved food safety, developing sustainable energy practices, global food security, reduction of obesity and developing sustainable rural economies.