Since many tribes were banished to reservations during the 1850’s and the years that followed, Native Americans have been at a disadvantage in many respects and many have not had the same educational opportunities afforded to them as other minority groups. In an attempt to level the playing field and to help Native American students grow to meet their full potential, a number of grant programs both from public and private institutions have been created.

In order to qualify for many of these scholarships students must be part of recognized tribe or be able to show that they have significant Native American heritage. While many recognize the need of disadvantaged students who need help paying for school, there are some that also reward students for excellence in academics, especially if these students are entering fields that are in high demand.

The American Indian College Fund was created to help disadvantaged students get the support they need to attend school. The fund offers scholarships and grants to students that are interested in attending a tribal college. There are many quality educational institutions dedicated to serving the needs of tribal communities, and students who look to these as ways to learn more not only about their field of interest but about their culture and heritage as well.

Native American students will find a wide range of grant programs available to them through private organizations and associations as well. Many professional groups who want to draw in more minority students to their field offer generous grants for schooling and research especially in fields like nursing, engineering, and computer science. Those thinking that education is more of the field for them may be able to take advantage of grant programs that pay for educational expenses in exchange for work in an underprivileged area after graduation.

Native American College Grants

• Koniag Education Career Development Grant: Amount varies for two grants awarded each year to Alaskan Native freshmen for career development.
• Osage Higher Education Grant: $300 to $1,200 awarded three times per year for varied number of Osage Indian descent undergraduate and graduate students.
• Blackfeet Nation Higher Education Grant: $3,500 awarded each year to 140 Blackfeet Tribe undergraduate students.
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants: $200 to $4,000 to students from nationally recognized tribes who demonstrate financial need.
• A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Program : $1,000 to $2,000 to Native American undergraduate and graduate students in the engineering and science fields.