American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America
A scholarship of up to $6,000 is offered to an eligible student pursuing a degree in healthcare, nursing, or any related fields in the United States. Since 1928, the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America has been providing scholarship awards to assist students of Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage pursuing degrees in nursing or other healthcare-related fields. Eligible students can receive $1,500 per semester to fund their studies. The awarded money is strictly for tuition, books, or fees applicable to the student’s approved program.
The grant is directly sent to the school and credited to the student’s account. Awarded students need to reapply each semester for continued funds as long as they remain in academic good standing and meet all requirements. Requirements for this program include proof of ethnicity and tribe, a personal statement highlighting background, experience, previous activities, achievements, and awards, official transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
Scholars are expected to return to work among their people on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by Native Americans. The aim is to help improve healthcare. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males and the career goals now include not only nursing careers but jobs in health care and health education, as well. These scholarships are made possible through the Martha L. Walden Fund endowment and contributions of our Corporate Societies, members, and individuals throughout the United States.
Scholarship Summary
A scholarship of up to $6,000 is offered to an eligible student pursuing a degree in healthcare, nursing, or any related fields in the United States. Since 1928, the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America has been providing scholarship awards to assist students of Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage pursuing degrees in nursing or other healthcare-related fields. Eligible students can receive $1,500 per semester to fund their studies. The awarded money is strictly for tuition, books, or fees applicable to the student’s approved program.
The grant is directly sent to the school and credited to the student’s account. Awarded students need to reapply each semester for continued funds as long as they remain in academic good standing and meet all requirements. Requirements for this program include proof of ethnicity and tribe, a personal statement highlighting background, experience, previous activities, achievements, and awards, official transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
Scholars are expected to return to work among their people on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by Native Americans. The aim is to help improve healthcare. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males and the career goals now include not only nursing careers but jobs in health care and health education, as well. These scholarships are made possible through the Martha L. Walden Fund endowment and contributions of our Corporate Societies, members, and individuals throughout the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Graduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Alaskan Native, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
Key Information of American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
- Healthcare
- Medicine
- Nursing
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Financial Information
- Grade transcript
- Recommendation letters
American Indian Medical Scholarship Program Timeline
January 1
Fall Application Opening Date
Applications usually open in early January.
June 1
Fall Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in June.
September 1
Spring Application Opening Date
Applications usually open in early September.
December 1
Spring Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in December.
How to ace the American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
Keep your grades up
This scholarship program is very competitive with only one winner. It is merit-based as it is need-based. therefore work hard on keeping your grades up and maintaining your GPA. Grades will be an indicator of how dedicated and serious you are.
Personal statement objective and review
Your personal statement is your voice and the complete picture of your character, ambitions, and abilities. Make it concise and interesting, capturing your pursuit of a degree in nursing or healthcare. Tell the judges your story and what you hope to achieve. Stay focused and get a second or third eye review from your mentor or instructor.
Choice of references and early notifications
Your references or recommenders must be those who know you well enough to be willing to speak to your abilities and demonstrate why you make the perfect candidate for this scholarship. So, choose them wisely. Also, contact them and send them the required forms very early on to allow them enough time to complete them.
Start the application process right away
You should start the application process as soon as possible. This will allow you enough time to acquire all necessary documents, contact your referees or recommenders, complete all forms, and work on your personal statement. Have everything organized and planned to avoid any last-minute complications.
How the American Indian Medical Scholarship Program is Judged
Applicants are evaluated on their academic standing, financial need, strong recommendation letters, and personal statement. Applicants are expected to be exemplary students who are both academically talented and active in their communities.
Why We Love the American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
Dedicated to a minority
The program supports male and female students of Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage pursuing degrees in nursing or other healthcare-related fields.
An annual scholarship
AIMS is an annual program; therefore, you can always reapply every year if you don’t win. The higher the grades, the better your chances of winning. The program favors those with academic excellence despite financial struggles. So work hard to achieve your academic and career goals.
It is inclusive
Despite being originally intended for women in the nursing field, it is now open to male students and applicable to other healthcare professions for the betterment of healthcare in areas largely populated by Native Americans.
5 Facts About AIMS
AIMS was originally created for female nurses
The AIMS program was originally created in 1928 to support female nurses but in the 1930s it funded men also and has expanded to include other healthcare-related fields.
Additional documents required
Students are to submit a small photograph along with their application.
A biographical statement required
Students’ personal statements must be biographical statements to include educational background, financial need, career goals, special achievements, or other pertinent information that must accompany the application.
It is open to high school graduates and undergraduate students
High school seniors, graduates, and college students are eligible to apply.
AIMS Contributors
The program is funded by the Martha L. Walden Fund endowment and contributions of our Corporate Societies, members, and individuals throughout the United States.