American Indian Services Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Indian Services

Overview — in plain language This scholarship helps Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students pay for college, stay enrolled, and graduate. Awards are need‑based for the specific term you apply for and are sent directly to your school. You will need your own personal email account to apply. Quick checklist (what you must do) - Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements below. - Create an account or log in to complete the online application. - Upload every required document to the application before the deadline (no emailed, faxed, or mailed documents accepted). - Submit the application on time. - If you receive an award, write and submit a thank‑you letter by the deadline provided in your award notification. Who can apply (eligibility) You are eligible if all of the following are true: - You are enrolled or will be matriculated at an accredited U.S. college, university, or junior college (incoming freshmen who have been accepted may apply). - Your chosen school is accredited (if the school is not accredited by a recognized agency, it is not eligible). - You are an enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe/Entity, OR you are a direct descendant of a base roll member (if not enrolled, you must provide proof of your relationship and the tribal enrollment of the base roll member). - You are an undergraduate working toward your first bachelor’s degree (no graduate students). You must have no more than 150 semester credits or 210 quarter credits. - You are taking credit courses (not non‑credit) and are enrolled at least half time — a minimum of 6 credits per term. - You have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 after your first semester/quarter of college. - You have completed the FAFSA. Important rules and policies (read carefully) - Incomplete or late applications and documents will NOT be processed or accepted. - Do not email, fax, or mail documents — upload everything directly into your application. - Please do not call or email the office asking for application status. You will receive an email notification during the month corresponding to the award (September awards notified in September; January awards notified in January). Your online application status will also be updated. - If awarded, your thank‑you letter must be submitted by the specified deadline. Scholarship funds are disbursed to your school only after the thank‑you letter is received. Required documents (all must be uploaded) Upload each item to your online application by the deadline. Request any needed documents early. 1. Photo of the applicant - Recent photo of you only (not a photo of an ID). Not professional, but must be clear — no old, blurry, heavily filtered, or damaged images. - This photo may be shared with potential donors or used for marketing. See the application portal for photo tips. 2. Proof of heritage - Provide documentation that you are either an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or a descendant of a base roll member. - If you are not enrolled, you must submit proof of the base roll member’s enrollment and documentation that shows your relationship. Contact your tribal enrollment office or the BIA for assistance (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood is acceptable). 3. Essay (separate document to upload) - At least one page, 12‑point font, double spaced. - Suggested content: introduce yourself (where you’re from, something meaningful about your community), describe tribal experiences or influences, challenges you’ve overcome, what you are studying and why, your goals after graduation, and how this scholarship will help you. You can include other details that tell your story. 4. Statement of fees / cost of attendance - Must show school name, your name, the total cost of attendance, and financial aid for the term/year you are applying for. - The statement can be submitted by you or the school (you choose on the application). - Acceptable documents include: a letter estimating tuition and fees for the term (student name and term start date preferred) or an official Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) from your school. FNAs from organizations other than the school and AIS are not accepted. 5. Current transcript (unofficial is acceptable) - Submit your most current transcript — do not wait for final grades to be posted. - Incoming freshmen: high school or GED transcript may be used only for the first two terms. 6. Thank‑you letter - Required only if you are awarded the scholarship. Guidance and examples will be provided in the award email. Application deadlines (apply for the term you need) - September Award (Fall semester): application opens May 1 — deadline July 1. - January Award (Winter/Spring semester): application opens September 1 — deadline November 1. Practical tips from a teacher who’s seen it all - Use a personal email address (Gmail, etc.) — not a school email — so you don’t lose access if you change schools. - Add emails from SmarterSelect and AIS to your safe‑senders list so notifications don’t go to spam. - Follow American Indian Services on Facebook or Instagram for program updates. - Request transcripts, tribal documents, and cost statements early — many offices take time to process requests. Final reminder Carefully follow the instructions and meet the deadlines. If your application is complete and you are awarded, remember to submit the thank‑you letter promptly so your funds can be sent to your school. Good luck — tell your story clearly and honestly. If you need help understanding any requirement, check the application portal or your tribal enrollment office for guidance.