Make a gift, get a gift! Join our Circle of Friends today and receive a beautiful dreamcatcher for your commitment to Native Americans in need!
American Indian Education Fund
Service Area: Nationwide
Education is one of the most important cornerstones of self-sufficiency and quality of life. It is also a crucial factor in addressing the long-term challenges on the reservations we serve.
The American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), offers scholarships, literacy programs, and school supplies to help end the cycle of poverty and help Native American students realize their educational dreams.
Throughout our country, Native American children travel each day for hours across rugged and remote areas to attend school. These students often lack the simplest tools – such as paper and pencils – needed to participate in class.
Yet, like all children, Native American youth are inspired by the dream of a better future. Since 1997, the AIEF program – with the help of our generous donors and dedicated Program Partners – has given hope to Native American students by providing the tools they need to succeed.
List of Services
The scholarship program funds and supports graduate and undergraduate Native American students attending college throughout the country with a competitive scholarship. The goal is to increase resources and encouragement for Native American students to learn and succeed. We don’t just hand out checks, though. We offer mentoring, care packages, laptops, and more to help students stay in school and realize their education dreams.
2025-2026 Scholarship Application for Undergraduate and Graduate is open! The early deadline submission is March 1st, 2025, for an extra point. The final deadline submission is April 4th, 2025. Please click the link below to apply.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Eligibility:
• Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian (student or one parent must be enrolled and have documentation).
• Attending an accredited 2 or 4-year college/university within the United States. Fully online schools and summer courses do not qualify.
• Undergraduates must be enrolled as a full-time student. Graduate students must be enrolled 6-18 credit hours (amount of scholarship funding is based on credit hours).
• GPA between 2.0 – 3.5 is desirable, however ALL current or future undergraduate/graduate students are encouraged to apply. High school students with a GED and non-traditional students returning to school may apply.
Required Documentation
• Most recent transcript with cumulative GPA. (Does not need to be official)
• Proof of Tribal Enrollment/CIB (student or parent’s documentation).
• Digital Photo – clear, color photo of yourself.
APPLY TODAY
Please use the link to check the status of your scholarship or update your scholarship profile at:
AIEF Scholarship: https://webportalapp.com/sp/american-indian-education-fund_undergrad-grad
Tom Russell Impact Award Scholarship: https://webportalapp.com/sp/pwna_tom-russell
With the support of our generous donors, each school year more than 15,000 students on dozens of reservations are provided with backpacks full of school supplies through this service. This service contributes to educational outcomes by providing necessary school supplies for children attending school on the reservation in grades K-12
.
The literacy service provides resources to improve the student’s reading comprehension and learning experience to set them up for success. It encourages a love of reading by supplying books and incentives to Native children through our Program Partners
Designed for capacity building of promising leaders in Tribal communities, the 4 Directions Leadership Development (4D) service provides a cohort-based learning environment for Program Partners, emerging leaders, and other applicants. 4D training advances their leadership skills both professionally and personally.
Quotes From Past Recipients
The donation of school supplies was a Godsend to many of our families who struggle to provide the basic needs of their children to prepare them for the school year. Thank you on behalf of our students and families.
Dawn B., Montana
My daughter is in kindergarten this year. She received a new backpack filled with school supplies… I was present in the class when the backpacks were handed out to the children. Their faces were filled with excitement and their parents, too. Your generosity has had a positive impact on the children’s educational experience.
Jacqueline G., New Mexico
We have a 6-year-old boy who doesn’t talk to anyone. With this [literacy] program, he expresses himself and asks questions. He only does this during literacy.
Boys and Girls Club, Crow Agency Montana
When I was selected for the [AIEF] scholarship, I felt relieved that I wouldn’t have to worry as much about the financial part of college. A big weight was lifted.
Brennan L., South Dakota
The AIEF scholarship helped me empower my academic and career goals by removing the stress of financial burden. It allowed me to focus solely on my studies and follow my dreams… I can not thank AIEF enough because if helped me build a foundation. I am beyond grateful for the AIEF scholarship and organization!
Hannah B., North Dakota
Scholarships go beyond a degree, they provide enriching life experiences.
Kara F, South Dakota
The scholarship is putting food on the table because I’m no longer choosing between medical treatments or tuition. It might be something small to donors, but I don’t think they know how much it means to people like me. If I could meet each of the donors and thank them personally, I would.
Terra V, Arizona
STATS
