Status: Open
Empowering Students Through Experiential Learning: Native Forward Scholars Fund is dedicated to empowering students by providing financial support to access meaningful internship opportunities specifically in non-STEM fields. These internships allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas critical to strengthening Tribal communities and fostering leadership development.
Expanding Equity and Impact: This program helps students overcome financial barriers that may limit their ability to pursue internships in non-STEM fields such as:
- Public Policy: Shaping policies to protect Tribal sovereignty and advance Native priorities.
- Education: Developing culturally relevant learning environments to empower future generations.
- Social Work: Addressing systemic issues and fostering social equity within Tribal communities.
- Cultural Preservation: Protecting and promoting the heritage, language, and traditions of Tribal nations.
- Other non-STEM fields will be considered.
These internships are vital for enhancing Tribal communities and advancing social, cultural, and economic well-being.
The award provides financial assistance for:
- Travel Costs: Covers transportation for accepting the internship and daily commuting.
- Living Expenses: Includes housing and other essential costs during the internship period.
- Roundtrip Travel: Supports travel to and from the internship location.
To ensure transparency and accountability, applicants must submit detailed, itemized documentation of expenses.
REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered for the Native Forward Internship Funding, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be an enrolled member or descendant of a US federally or state-recognized Tribe.
- Provide proof of Tribal enrollment via a copy of their Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, Tribal membership card, OR a letter of enrollment/descendancy from the Tribal enrollment office.
- Applicants must find their own internship position. The internship must directly align with non-STEM fields, such as public policy, education, social work, cultural preservation, etc.
- Submit a letter confirming acceptance from an internship site.
- Provide itemized costs/receipts for travel, housing, commuting, etc.
DEADLINE: January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST
Questions:
Contact our Scholarship Operations team at fellowships@NativeForward.org.
APPLY HERE:
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/98887-Native-Forward-Scholars-Fund
