Scholarships for Alaskan Native Students
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Ohio News Media Foundation Minority Scholarship
The Scholarship, administered by Ohio Newspaper Association, offers one scholarship to the value of $750 to a high school senior majoring in journalism, advertising, marketing, or communications.
For A Bright Future Global Scholarship Program
Annually, college students in the United States apply for the For A Bright Future Global Scholarship to complete their degree programs. The scholarship is renewable.
AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students
Every year, the AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students awards fellowships worth $12,000 to minority postgraduate students.
AISES 3M Scholarship
The AISES 3M Scholarship is for incoming college freshmen from American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, and other indigenous communities of North America to enroll in a STEM-related degree.
AISES Aristocrat-VGT Scholarship
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), in partnership with Aristocrat/VGT, offers the AISES Aristocrat Scholarship, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in a field related to casino gaming.
AISES Chevron Scholarship
The Scholarship is awarded to students who belong to the American Indian, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, First Nations, and other indigenous communities of North America to further their STEM education.
AISES Intel Growing The Legacy Scholarship Program
Intel awards the AISES Intel Growing The Legacy Scholarship to support students with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship
The Association on American Indian Affairs scholarship program provides a scholarship of up to $1,500 for Native American students.
Full Circle & Tribal College Scholarship
The Full Circle & Tribal College Scholarship is awarded to American Indian or Alaskan Native graduate and undergraduate students attending tribal colleges or accredited non-profit institutions.
Horace & Susie Revels Cayton Scholarship
Public Relations Society of America offers The Horace and Susie Revels Cayton Scholarship of $4,500 to enrolled undergraduate students pursuing public relations degrees in Washington.
Illinois CPA Society Freshman Scholarships
The scholarships are awarded annually to brilliant minority students for their academic excellence to pursue a degree in accounting.
The Leon Bradley Scholarship
The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) offers the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program of $3,500 to two minority students of all levels pursuing teaching certificates in the U.S.
Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship
The Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship provides $3,000 to a female or minority undergraduate student from the U.S in a STEM related field.
Accenture Native American Scholarship Fund
The Accenture Native American Scholarship Fund offers five awards ranging up to $30,000 to undergraduate Native American and Alaska Native students.
David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest for Freethinking Students of Color
Freedom from Religion Foundation holds an annual essay contest for students of color aged 17 to 21. The David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest for Freethinking Students of Color offers prizes ranging from $300 to $3,500.
Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country/Johnson Scholarship Foundation
Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country (FFFIC) Scholarship Program offers Native American undergraduates pursuing a business, finance, or accounting degree a scholarship of $10,000 to continue their education.
Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship
Omega Phi Beta Sorority gives $1,000 to a woman of color to support them throughout the first year of college with the Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship.
Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund (BIE-SPGSF)
The Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund (SPGSF) offers $20,000–$30,000 to Native students enrolled in STEM programs. It supports students at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels of study.
Special Higher Education Program
The Special Higher Education Program (SHEP) provides financial aid to Native American and Alaska Native graduate and professional students pursuing full-time degrees in any field of study.
Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship
The Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates provides financial assistance to eligible Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.
RICOH Scholarship Program
The scholarship awards brilliant students from the minority community keen on advancing their academic careers in certain disciplines while studying at HBCUs.
Olay Face the STEM Gap Scholarship
The Olay Face the STEM Gap Scholarship Program offers scholarships worth $5,000 to women of color.
Warner Norcross & Judd Law Scholarship
The scholarship, administered by Warner Norcross & Judd and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, is offered to a minority student enrolled at or pursuing a law degree at an accredited U.S. institution.
Chevron Corporate Scholarship
Chevron awards a $7,500 scholarship to meritorious students in engineering and computer science from African American, Native North American, Alaska Tribe, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic backgrounds.
Minnesota Indian Scholarships
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education annually offers the Minnesota Indian Scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $6,000, to Native American undergraduate and graduate students to further their education.
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.