Unique Schloarship Program Provides Support Beyond Financial Assistance
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The American Indian Education Fund (AIEF) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. The deadline for the upcoming academic year closes April 4th. Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate and vocational studies can learn more and apply for a scholarship here.
The AIEF program stands apart from traditional scholarships by supporting students throughout their academic career by providing mentoring, school supplies such as laptops and backpacks, and care packages twice a year containing personal items to use while attending school. The additional personalized support augments scholarships of up to $2,000.
“The care packages made it very clear that [AIEF] wanted to set us up for success and be hands-on with our learning,” said Kutoven Stevens, a member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe and a four-year scholarship recipient. “It was reassuring to know I could access help if I needed to. It meant a lot to have other people besides my parents want to see me succeed in such a dramatic fashion.”
The Washington State University student appreciated the advice Native students could access from budgeting to time and stress management that goes beyond the scope of a traditional scholarship program. He also appreciated the application process.
“The process was clean-cut. It was not hard to navigate the portal, and it was very accessible,” said Stevens. “The communication lines were always open between me and my advisor.”
The AIEF is a program of Partnership With Native Americans, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans living on geographically isolated and reservations where communities face ongoing barriers rooted in historic underinvestment.
For the current 2025-2026 academic year, AIEF awarded more than $257,000 in scholarships to 138 students attending universities, community/state colleges as well as trade & vocational institutions, says Anna Turi, Higher Education Coordinator for the AIEF.
“Recipients representing several Tribal Nations throughout the country are studying disciplines as diverse as their individual nations,” said Turi, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. “From nursing and pre-med to engineering and construction management, scholarship recipient’s focus of study overwhelming reflects the needs of their home communities where most wish to develop their careers.”
Native students have historically faced financial, social, academic, and cultural barriers to education and academic achievement. The impact of these barriers is reflected in the wide gap between the 16% of Native Americans the 40% of Caucasians who hold a college degree. Recognizing this, PWNA supports Native students at all educational levels, from foundational years to post-secondary.
AIEF applications are evaluated on a point system that acknowledges academic performance, whether an applicant lives or has lived on a reservation, an application essay and community involvement. Applicants can earn extra points by completing their application by March 1, 2026.
ABOUT PWNA
Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) is a national, Native-led nonprofit committed to championing hope for a brighter future for those living on geographically isolated reservations across the U.S. Established in 1990, PWNA collaborates with Tribal programs to address immediate relief and long-term solutions such as education, emergency preparedness, food security, and more.
With its Tribal partners and supporters, PWNA improves the lives of up to 250,000 Native Americans annually. Follow PWNA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit NativePartnership.org.
ABOUT AIEF
The American Indian Education Fund (AIEF) is a core program of PWNA and supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students who are enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions. AIEF supports students of all ages who are not only focused on their education, but who also demonstrate the ability to make positive changes in their communities. We expand opportunities for students to attend and remain in tribal or non-tribal colleges by providing networking services and placing additional emphasis on non-monetary support to scholarship recipients, including school supplies, mentoring, personal contacts through emails, phone calls, mail and providing care packages.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Kevin Lightfoot
214-695-1169
[email protected]
