10 FEBRUARY 1, 2001
Smoke Signals
Northwest Indian Housing Association Scholarship Fund
Purpose: The intent of the Northwest Indian Housing Association
(NWIHA) Scholarship Fund is to provide financial awards to youth for edu
cational and training programs at schools, colleges, job training organiza
tions, sports camps or other worthwhile activities.
Eligibility: Youth (defined as individuals aged 24 or younger) who are
enrolled members of a Washington, Oregon or Idaho Tribe may apply. A
letter of sponsorship signed by the NWIHA member must accompany the
application.
Procedure: Applications must be received by midnight on March 31st of
each year. Awards are then determined by the NWIHA Scholarship Com
mittee and announced at the NWIHA quarterly meeting in May. Winners
are invited to attend the award ceremony which takes place at the NWIHA
annual meeting in September. Funds are disbursed directly, upon presenta
tion of receipts and other documentation approved by the Chairman of the
NWIHA Scholarship Committee or acting Chairman.
Applications must be submitted in writing and must consist of up to a 500
word essay that describes the need for funds, how the funds will be used and
how they are to be disbursed. The essay will be judged on the basis of need
as well as how well it achieves the goal of improving the life of the applicant
youth. In addition to the essay, the applicant must list two references (who
are not related to the applicant) as well as phone numbers for these refer
ences, and provide a list of community service activities in which the appli
cant has been involved, if any.
A valid application must be received by midnight on March 31, 2001 and
consist of:
1. A letter of sponsorship from a NWIHA member. (Grand Ronde Tribal
Housing Authority).
2. A 500 word essay that describes the need for funds, how the funds
will be used and how they are to be disbursed.
3. Two (non-related) references with phone numbers.
4. A list of community service activities, if any.
Amounts of the scholarships and number of scholarships will be determined
and announced each year. Successful and unsuccessful applicants may re
apply at any time. The decision of the NWIHA Scholarship Committee is
final and cannot be appealed.
Administration: Accumulated and unexpended scholarship funds may
be administered by NWIHA in accounts that are segregated on the books
and records of NWIHA, or by the Association on American Indian Affairs (or
other qualified organization).
Termination: Should the NWIHA Scholarship Fund be terminated by
the NWIHA Executive Committee, the funds remaining, plus any interest
accumulated thereon, shall be donated to a third-party non-profit organiza
tion that serves Tribal youth.
For more information, call April Campbell, Education Specialist
at the Tribe, at 503-879-2276 or 1-800-422-0232, ext. 2276.
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship Programs
Since 1922, the Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) had been
dedicated to helping Native American people and their communities in meet
ing the challenges they face. One of those challenges is getting a higher
education, which is why the AAIA gives hundreds of college students the
opportunity to pursue their degrees each year through scholarships. The
four scholarships listed below require the applicant be at least 14 degree
Indian blood from a federally recognized Tribe.
Emergency Aid & Health Professions Scholarships
Amounts range from $100-$400. For American Indian and Alaskan Native
full-time undergraduate students only. Based on financial need. Available
from September 1st through June 1st. There are no summer programs.
Requirements: Complete application with bottom portion filled out and
signed by financial aid officer; 14 degree Indian blood, please include a cer
tificate of enrollment and blood quantum from Tribe; an essay (1-2 pages)
describing the specific nature of the financial need; most current financial
aid award letter including tuition and books; most recent transcripts; and
schedule of classes.
Sequoyah Graduate Fellowship
For American Indian and Alaskan Native full-time students who are work
ing toward a graduate degree. Applications are due October 1st.
Requirements: Complete application with bottom portion filled out and
signed by financial aid officer; 14 degree Indian blood, please include a cer
tificate of enrollment and blood quantum from Tribe; an essay (1-2 pages)
describing education goals; most current financial aid award letter including
tuition and books; most recent transcripts; two letters of recommendation;
and schedule of classes.
AAIAAdoph Van Pelt Special Fund
Amount range from $500-$800. Based on financial need and merit. Ap
plications are due August 15th of each year.
Requirements: Complete application with bottom portion filled out and
signed by financial aid officer; 14 degree Indian blood, please include a
certificate of enrollment and blood quantum from Tribe; an essay (1-2 pages)
describing education goals; most current financial aid award letter including
tuition and books; most recent transcripts; two letters of recommendation;
and schedule of classes.
Displaced Homemaker Scholarship
For displaced homemakers, both men and women, who are unable to fulfill
their educational goals. Applications are due no later than September 10th.
Requirements: Complete application with bottom portion filled out and
signed by financial aid officer; 14 degree Indian blood, please include a
certificate of enrollment and blood quantum from Tribe; an essay (1-2 pages)
outlining the life experiences of the applicant; most current financial aid
award letter including tuition and books; personal monthly budget, includ
ing childcare costs, food, transportation and other expenses; most recent tran
scripts; two letters of recommendation; and schedule of classes.
For more information on these scholarships,
you may write to the Association on American Indian Affairs.
AAIA
P.O. Box 268
Sisseton, SD 57262
Phone: 605-698-3998
E-mail: aaiatnics.com
Engineering & Computer Science
Portland State University's (PSU) College of Engineering and Computer
Science and Portland Community College (PCC) have been awarded a Na
tional Science Foundation (NSF) grant to provide 40 low-income engineer
ing and computer science students with two-year scholarships.
"This is exactly the kind of program needed to help double the number of
engineering grads in the State of Oregon," said PSU President Daniel 0.
Bernstine. "In addition, it is this type of scholarship opportunity that helps
PSU keep its commitment to providing access to a higher education."
The Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships Pro
gram will assist those students at PSU and PCC studying engineering or com
puter science. The program will provide up to $3,125 per year for up to two
years to full-time, low-income students in their first or second year of study.
"This program should really help students who want to earn an engineer
ing or computer degree, but who simply haven't been able to afford it," said
PSU's College of Engineering & Computer Science Enrollment Services Di
rector Marcia Fischer. "Our hope is that these awards will help prepare more
students to participate in the fastest growing and highest paying sector of
the region's economy."
Contact Marcia Fischer at 503-725-4289 or fischermeas.pdx.edu.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Truman D. Picard Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2001
The InterTribal Timber Council is pleased to invite all interested
Native American and Alaskan students to apply for the above schol
arship. Fifteen scholarships are available in the following categories:
D 2001 graduating senior high students seeking an education in
Natural Resources (five scholarships at $1,200 each.
D Students currently attending an institution of higher education
and studying natural resources (ten scholarships at $1,800 each).
For more information or an application please contact:
InterTribal Timber Council
Attn: Education Committee
1112 N.E. 21st Ave.
Portland, OR 97232-2214
Phone: 503-282-4296