Top Scholarships for Indigenous Students

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As we close out Native American Heritage Month, I want to spotlight scholarships created specifically to support Indigenous students.

If you identify as Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or First Nations, these programs were designed with you in mind; to honor your story, your goals, and the future you want to build.

Here are some of the best scholarships, as well as organizations that offer multiple opportunities, you’ll want to keep on your radar:

⭐ Catching the Dream (CTD)

For Native students pursuing careers that directly uplift their communities — teaching, engineering, business, healthcare, STEM, and more. If your work will give back, CTD wants to support you.

⭐ Cobell Scholarship

A need-based and merit-based award honoring Blackfeet activist Elouise Cobell. Supports American Indian and Alaska Native students at the undergraduate and graduate level. One of the most well-known and respected Indigenous scholarships.

⭐ Native Forward Scholars Fund

One application = access to many scholarships. Native Forward supports Indigenous students across all degree levels and academic fields. A great starting point if you’re overwhelmed by options.

⭐ AISES Scholarships (STEM)

For Indigenous students in science, engineering, computer science, tech, and research. AISES offers multiple awards each year and is a powerful community for Native students pursuing STEM.

⭐ American Indian College Fund

Offers multiple scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students attending Tribal Colleges & Universities or accredited nonprofit colleges. Long-trusted, student-centered, and impactful.

⭐ NativeVision Scholarship

For student-athletes who show leadership, commitment, and heart. Awards four $5,000 scholarships each year to Native high school seniors starting college.

Other Notable Scholarships

These are also worth checking out:

• American Indian Services (AIS) Scholarship

• Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

• Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarships

• Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF)

• Navajo Nation Scholarship

• American Indian Graduate Center Scholarships

✍️ Quick Tips for a Strong Application

• Share one true, meaningful story.

• Connect your identity and your goals.

• Show how your education will impact your community.

• Apply early — many deadlines fall Dec–Feb.

❤️ Final Thoughts

There are so many paths for Indigenous students to fund their education, and these scholarships exist because your voice, leadership, and future matter.

If you want help building your list or crafting your essays, Future Bound is here for you, con cariño.