Native American & Pacific Islander Scholarships

What Are Native American & Pacific Islander Scholarships?

Native American & Pacific Islander scholarships are targeted financial awards that prioritize applicants who identify with tribal nations or Pacific Islander heritage. These scholarships may be offered by tribal governments, Native and Pacific community foundations, universities, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

Awards may be based on academic achievement, leadership, financial need, cultural involvement, community service, field of study, or other criteria unique to each scholarship program.

Community & Identity Advantage Strategies

Tribal & Community Educational Networks

Native American & Pacific Islander students benefit from community-specific networks that are not widely publicized, such as:

1. Tribal education departments and cultural centers
2. Pacific Islander community associations
3. Indigenous student organizations on campus
4. Language and heritage programs with scholarship components

Connecting directly with these networks can uncover local, high-value awards that don’t appear in national databases.

Heritage Documentation & Cultural Portfolios

Many Indigenous or Pacific scholarships value cultural engagement and community impact. Consider:

1. Developing a cultural portfolio that includes community leadership, language revitalization, traditional art, or service projects.
2. Submitting heritage essays or videos that authentically reflect identity.
3. Showcasing involvement with community events, tribal councils, or cultural education efforts.

These unique elements can differentiate your application in competitive pools.