Students from Navajo Nations may wonder how to maximize their chances of obtaining scholarships. The best place to start may be by completing a FAFSA application. Many states have funding set aside for students from minority backgrounds. In addition, the FAFSA will help students determine whether they are available for any federal funding to defray the cost of their college education. After completing the FAFSA, students should also inquire at their college or university about whether there is any funding specifically for minority students from Navajo tribes. Additionally, Navajo Nation students can explore the scholarships listed below to determine whether they meet the eligible criteria:
Navajo Generating Nation Navajo Scholarships: In order to be eligible for this award, students must attend college on a full-time basis and hold at least a 3.0 grade point average. Funding is only open to undergraduate students and while there are no strict major requirements, priority funding is given to business and STEM majors. The awards may be renewed provided that the student continues to maintain satisfactory progress. In order to apply for the award, students must complete an application form, write a letter, submit a resume and transcripts, provide two letters of recommendation, and provide proof of Indian heritage. Additional information about the application process can be found at the following website: http://www.srpnet.com/education/grants/navajo.aspx.
Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance: This agency maintains a list of scholarships available to students of various levels. They have a graduate student fund, a corporate fund listing, and a list of other scholarships available to Navajo students. The following website includes many scholarships that students may want to consider, along with major eligibility criteria: http://www.onnsfa.org/FundingTypes/OtherScholarships.aspx.
Society for American Archaeology’s Native American Scholarship Fund: These scholarships are awarded in varying amounts, which range from $4,000 to $10,000. Higher funding is awarded to graduate students, but undergraduate students can apply to the lower awards. The funding can be used to defray the cost of tuition, board, housing, travel, school supplies, or to put towards child care. Additional information, as well as an online application, can be found at the following website: https://ecommerce.saa.org/saa/staticcontent/staticpages/adminDir/A-ACPNSFS.cfm?CFID=2889333&CFTOKEN=26078455.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program: This award is open to Navajo students who are residents of Illinois. Students must have a high school diploma and plan to enroll in an accredited program for at least six credits. Students must also hold at least a 2.5 grade point average. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply for the award. In order to apply for this scholarship, students must submit a completed application prior to the deadline. Additionally, students must agree to teach in an underserved school in the state of IL upon their graduation or risk having to repay the scholarship with interest. Additional information about the award can be found at this website: http://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/minority-teachers-of-illinois-mti-scholarship-program.html.
Students may also want to consider registering with an online search engine to explore additional scholarships that they may be eligible to receive.