Scholarships for Alaskan Native Students
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Foundation Education Award Scholarship
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society offers the $5,500 Foundation Education Award Scholarship to underrepresented minority medical students who are Pennsylvania residents and enrolled at a Pennsylvania medical school.
Law School Diversity Scholarship Program
Buckfire Law firm annually offers the Law School Diversity Scholarship Program to support law school students belonging to minority groups or demonstrating a defined commitment to issues of diversity.
Medical Diversity Scholarship Program
Every year, the Buckfire Law firm offers one available scholarship valued at $2,000 per recipient for undergraduate study across the United States.
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program of $2,800 is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students interested in advancing toward doctoral study upon completing their bachelor's degree.
Alma Exley Scholarship
The Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a teacher training program at a Connecticut college or university. Students in their junior or senior year and master’s students are eligible to apply.
American Indian Services Scholarship
The AIS Scholarship Program offers $500-$2000 in scholarships to 1,000 students.
CAA’s Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts
CAA's Professional Development Fellowship in Visual Arts was created to help multicultural artists and artists from underrepresented minority groups and culturally diverse communities in the various aspects of their work.

American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
The NSDA offers the American Indian Medical Scholarship of up to $6,000 to an eligible student studying a healthcare-related field.
Minority Fellowship Program for Mental Health Counselors Doctorate
The NBCC Minority Fellowship Program is a $20,000- scholarship and fellowship program that supports mental-health counselors pursuing doctoral studies in the United States.
Oracle Developer Scholars Program
The Oracle Corporation, with the UNCF, offers 25 scholarships valued at $10,000 for undergraduate studies across the United States. Only African American, Hispanic, and Native American students are eligible.
Chairish Design Your Future Scholarship
The Chairish Design Your Future Scholarship is awarded to students from underrepresented minority groups and of all educational levels enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions to further their education.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship awards $30,000 scholarships to students with financial need from minority backgrounds.
Minority Advertising Scholarships
Minority Advertising Scholarships program of up to $200,000 a year supports graduate students of minorities to complete their graduate and postgraduate studies in advertising, PR, design, and photography.
Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) is a renewable award of up to $4,000 a year to minority students in Florida pursuing education-related bachelor's undergraduate or graduate programs.
Arcadis Scholarship
Every year, Arcadis awards a $5,000 scholarship to a student from an underrepresented racial and ethnic minority group who is pursuing a graduate degree in STEM fields.
Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship
In partnership with the American Water Works Association, Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship offers $10,000 to a minority postgraduate student interested in waterworks.
Bertha Parker Cody Award for Native American Women
The Bertha Parker Cody Award for Native American Women is giving one Native American female student specializing in archaeology or museum studies $4,000 towards their tuition.
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s mission, the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship provides funds of $45,000 to rising junior undergraduate students for their final two years.
National Science Foundation Scholarship for Archaeological Training
The National Science Foundation Scholarship for Archaeological Training will fund up to four Native American students or tribal employees with up to $6,000 for archaeological training or archeological research programs.
SAA Arthur C. Parker Scholarship for Archaeological Training for Native Americans
SAA Arthur C. Parker Scholarship for Archaeological Training awards one Native North American, Alaska Tribe, or Native Hawaiian student or employee for an archaeological training program of their choice.
SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship
The SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship will be providing one Native American archaeology or museum studies student with $10,000 to contribute towards their studies.
SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship
The SAA Native American Archaeology Scholarship provides one Native American undergraduate student a $6,000- scholarship to obtain a degree in archeology or museum studies without the burden of education loans.
Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships
Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship offers $3,000 grants to three underrepresented minorities wishing to or undertaking archaeology courses.
LPA Scholarship
LPA, Inc offers scholarships of $5,000 to high school seniors in California and Texas accepted at an accredited institution for a degree program related to design or building industry.
Diversity in Hospitality Scholarship
The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, Diversity in Hospitality Scholars Program offers a $5,000- scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
About Alaska Native Scholarships
Alaska Native scholarships are offered by a variety of organizations, including the state of Alaska, to help students of Alaska Native heritage pay for college. These scholarships can be based on academic achievement, financial need, or involvement in the Alaska Native community. Alaska Natives are defined as people who identify themselves as indigenous to one or more Alaskan tribes. This includes Aleut, Athabascan, Haida, Inuit, and Tlingit people. Students, who are not Alaska Natives but have significant ties to an Alaska Native community, may also be eligible for these scholarships.
Alaska Natives face unique challenges that can make accessing higher education difficult. With high rates of poverty and large rural populations, many Alaska Native communities lack access to the resources needed to support college-bound students. Additionally, Alaska Native culture is often overlooked in educational settings, making it difficult for some students to find a sense of belonging while pursuing higher education. To help address these disparities, scholarships specifically for Alaska Natives have been established to support students in obtaining a college degree and advancing their careers. These scholarships are essential for providing access to higher education opportunities that may otherwise not be available to Alaska Native students. They also provide a valuable source of financial support which can make the difference between accessing education or not. Moreover, scholarships for Alaska Natives can provide support for students who may have difficulty navigating the college admissions process due to limited resources and knowledge. By making higher education more accessible, these scholarships are encouraging Alaska Natives to pursue their academic goals and achieve the career they desire.
Education Rates in Alaska
Alaska Native education rates continue to be lower than the national average, with only 31% of Alaska Natives aged 25 and older having a college degree. This number is the lowest out of any racial group in the United States and reflects a long-term trend of disparities in educational opportunities for Alaska Natives, which are rooted in historical injustices and inequalities.
Alaska Native students face obstacles to educational attainment due to a lack of resources, including funding for schools located in rural areas and inadequate teacher training for working with culturally diverse student populations. Alaska Native parents also face unique challenges in providing educational support for their children, as many have limited access to information about the application process for college and other higher education opportunities. In order to combat these disparities, Alaska Native leaders are working to increase access to educational resources for their communities. One such effort is the Alaska Native Education Equity Project (ANEEP), which works with schools and tribal organizations across the state to provide culturally relevant training and resources for educators, as well as scholarships and other programs to support Native students pursuing further education. These initiatives, along with increased investment in public schools serving Alaska Native communities, are essential for improving educational outcomes for this population.
Cost of College for Alaska Natives 2023
The cost of college for Alaska Natives is often a challenge to overcome as they pursue their educational dreams. According to the Institute of Social and Economic Research, Alaska has the highest college tuition of any state in the United States, making it particularly difficult for Alaska Native communities.
Fortunately, there are many scholarships and grant opportunities available for students looking to pursue their education. Organizations such as the Alaska Native Education Fund, the Alaska Federation of Natives, among other tribal organizations provide awards to enhance educational opportunities for members of the community.
According to the Alaska Department of Education, the enrollment of Alaska Native students at Alaskan universities has grown by 46% since 2010 — with more than 6,600 graduates in 2016 alone. However, graduation rates remain lower compared to other groups. Some of the obstacles Alaska Natives face in graduating include a lack of access to resources, a lack of financial aid opportunities, and limited college preparation.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is one of the top institutions for Alaska Natives, with a higher percentage of Native students than any other university in the state. The school offers courses that focus on Alaska Native cultures, as well as scholarships and grants specifically designed to assist Native students. Additionally, UAA has a dedicated Alaska Native student services office to provide additional support and resources to Native students.
Top Alaska Colleges
Alaska is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. With a wide range of academic options, students can find the perfect school for their educational needs. From large public institutions to small private colleges, there are plenty of great schools in Alaska. The top three schools in Alaska include the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Alaska Southeast.
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers over 120 degree programs with more than 80 undergraduate majors and concentrations as well as 40 graduate degrees. UAA also has several research centers dedicated to advancing knowledge in areas such as renewable energy technology and climate change impacts on ecosystems.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is one of two land-grant universities located in the state and provides an array of academic opportunities from traditional liberal arts disciplines to science and technology fields. Additionally, UAF offers unique programs such as aviation maintenance technician training or fisheries biology studies that prepare students for specialized occupations related to Alaskan life.
Finally, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) was founded over 25 years ago after merging three smaller regional campuses into one institution offering both associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees across multiple disciplines. UAS is committed to promoting a diverse learning environment that offers students the opportunity to engage with faculty from all backgrounds. The Alaska Community Foundation awards the Dr. John Halligan Scholarship Fund which can be used at the University of Alaska and is worth $2,500.
Top Five Scholarships for Alaska Native Students 2023
Whether you reside in your home state or are pursuing higher education across the country, as a Native Alaskan, you can benefit from a number of scholarship programs available and get your education completely covered in the U.S. Check out the following list:
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship is designed to assist Native American students with up to $60,000 to obtain a college degree.
AISES Intel Growing The Legacy Scholarship Program supports Native American students, pursuing STEM-related studies with up to $10,000. The program also includes internship and future job opportunities in INTEL.
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students majoring in a STEM course related to NOAA’s programs and mission with up to $45,000 to cover two years of study. The program also provides a fully-paid training and summer internships to the selected winners.
Mission North The Future Is… Fellowship supports women from underrepresented communities in building their careers in communications with up to $15,000.
V&E Diversity Scholarship supports historically underrepresented high school students interested in the legal profession by awarding financial aid for college with up to $10,000 to fund their education.
Tips for winning Alaska Native scholarships
1. Research your options: Investigate all possible sources for scholarships that you may be eligible for as an Alaska Native. Look into what your tribe offers, as well as private organizations that offer assistance to native students.
2. Take advantage of resources: Don’t be afraid to reach out and make use of the resources available, such as your college or high school guidance counselors, local libraries, and online resources.
3. Write a winning essay: Crafting an effective scholarship essay can make all the difference in the selection process. Put your best foot forward and make sure to write confidently and clearly about why you deserve the scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm eligible for Alaska Natives scholarships?
Alaska Native refers to the descendants of the original people of Alaska. It’s an umbrella that includes a number of tribes such as the Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Often scholarships indicating that they’re for Native American students include Alaska Native students. Always confirm with the scholarship organizers if you’re unsure.
What is the Indian Higher Education Program?
The Indian Higher Education Program is funded by the government to provide financial aid to eligible American Indian/Alaska Native students, assisting them in attending an accredited institution of higher education. Eligible applicants include those whose origin is Indian/Alaska Native, must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited degree program, college, or university, and either themselves or a family member is enrolled in a Federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native village. To find out if you are eligible and what the grant’s requirements are, click <a href=”https://www.bie.edu/sites/default/files/documents/idc-008101.pdf” target=”_blank”>here</a>.
Do Alaska Natives get full-ride scholarships 2023?
Yes. Many private and public organizations have provided financial support to Native Alaskan/ American to assist them in completing their college education. Scholaroo has a list of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available.