Scholarships for Native American Studies
Are You Eligible?
Native American Studies is the field of knowledge that examines the experiences of people of Native American ancestry in America. It is a broad-spectrum area of study that includes elements of history, gender studies, sociology, literature, and political science.
Native American Studies students frequently go on to graduate programs. They might also combine a minor in Native American Studies with another subject major as preparation for a career in education, health care, social work, business, or government. Please continue reading to learn about financial assistance available for those interested in this course of study.
Morris K. Udall Foundation
Eighty Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships of up to $5,000.00 are awarded each year to sophomore and junior students. Past recipients of this scholarship have included students majoring in Native American Studies. In order to qualify, applicants must be committed to pursuing a career relating to the environment, Native American health care, or tribal public policy. Those applicants wishing to apply for scholarship assistance because they are planning on working with Native Americans must themselves be either a Native American or an Alaska Native.
Candidates for the scholarships are nominated by the college or university they are attending. Each nominee will submit a completed application form, an original essay (800 words), an official transcript, and three letters of recommendation.
University of Montana – Missoula
The University offers the Bonnie Heavy Runner Scholarship to Native American students who are majoring in Law or Native American Studies. In addition, the Merriam Scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate Native American students who have demonstrated an interest in the area of Native American Studies.
To be considered, interested persons are asked to submit a completed application form, along with a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript. Proof of the applicant's tribal membership (or descendency) is also required.
University of New Mexico
Students attending the University of New Mexico who would like to apply for scholarship funding can fill in one general scholarship application form. The Scholarship Office will match the applications received with the available scholarships.
Native American students interested in pursuing Native American Studies receive preference for the Marguerite M. Drum Endowed Memorial Scholarship. In order to qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be full-time students (either undergraduate or graduate), have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and in financial need.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellows Program was devised to provide assistance to individuals who are not only dedicated to Native American Studies but who are also committed to teaching at the University level and research. Two stipends are paid each year, and Fellows will be able to access the vast resources available through the University's library. Application forms are available online.
Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY), Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Native American Studies
Individuals selected to receive a Mellon Fellowship will be teaching (individually or as part of a team) one course in the Fall semester. He or she will also assist with a monthly seminar for faculty members about Native American Studies. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to pursue his or her own research projects while at Vassar.
A salary of $44,000.00 plus benefits is offered to Mellon Fellows, along with funds for relocation expenses and professional travel purposes.
