Grant Awarded to American Indian College Fund (AICF)

A 2 year grant of $32,000/year has been awarded to the AICF. Established in 1989, the mission of the AICF is to transform Indian higher
education by funding and creating awareness of the unique, community-based accredited tribal colleges
and universities (TCUs), offering students access to knowledge, skills, and cultural values which enhance
their communities and the country as a whole. The College Fund is the nation’s largest provider of private
scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students.

The Scholarship Program will provide renewable scholarship funding and
targeted support services to approximately 5 AIAN women pursuing post-secondary credentials at TCUs
during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years, empowering them to overcome the financial and social
obstacles to achieve a higher education and serve as leaders and role models for their families and
communities. Funding will specifically be used to provide 5 scholarships of $5,000 per scholar per year for 2
years, as well as provide student success services of $1,400 per scholar per year for 2 years.
Data shows that although organizations such as AICF are making a difference, Native people are still the
least educated racial or ethnic group in America, with a smaller percentage receiving bachelor’s degrees
than any other minority group.

Scholarship awards for this program will be based on the following eligibility criteria:
(1) Enrolled member or descendant of an enrolled member of a federal or state recognized tribe
(2) Acceptance to and enrollment as a full-time student at a tribal college or university
(3) Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher
(4) Women students
(5) Preference for women students with children

The objectives of the scholarship program consist of measurable indicators linked to the 3 overarching
goals identified below:
1) Increase access and success in higher education for AIAN women students.
2) Leverage the Foundation’s partnership to substantially increase resources
for AIAN education.
3) Empower AIAN women students to achieve educational and professional success and serve as
leaders to improve the social and economic conditions present in their communities.