AIEA Student Scholarship

The AIEA Scholarship recognizes American Indian/Alaska Native students who consistently participate in cultural activities and demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, community service, and leadership. The AIEA Student Scholarship aims to promote, encourage, and support students as they develop into scholars and prepare to engage in important careers as adults.

This year’s scholarship theme is empowerment. AIEA defines empowerment as finding your voice by using your personal and cultural strengths to advocate for your education.

This year, the scholarship will be a two (2)-stage process.  Stage one (1) is submitting the required criteria under “Application Procedure” and “Optional Artistic Expression Piece”. If your application scores high enough, you will then move on to Stage two (2), which you will be required to submit criteria under “Finalists”. 

AIEA hosts various activities throughout the year. If you are interested in staying updated on AIEA activities, please visit: https://www.azindianed.org/contact

Scholarship Deadlines

  • Applications must be submitted using the form above by January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Arizona Time)

  • The Scholarship Review Committee will notify the awardees by February 2, 2026.

  • All awardees will be invited to the February 20, 2026 AIEA General Meeting to recognize your achievements at the annual AIEA Student Recognition Celebration.

  • Awardees must attend at least one AIEA General Meeting in the 2025-26 school year in addition to the Recognition Celebration. 

See the scholarship information document for additional information about eligibility and application procedure.

2025-2026 AIEA Student Scholarship Information Document

2025-2026 Awards

  • High School Academic Award: $200

  • High School Make a Difference Award: $200

  • Trade/Vocational Education/Community College/University/Non-Traditional Award: $400

  • Graduate Students Award: $400

Applicant Criteria

  • American Indian/Alaska Native students residing in AND attending an on-line, in-person or hybrid school at a trade/vocational education, community college/university institution  in Arizona. 

  • Students attending AND living at an out-of-state institution are not eligible.

  • Enrolled member of a federally-recognized Tribal Nation.

9th – 12th Grade Students:

  • For the Academic scholarship, must have a GPA of 3.0 or above

    • Must demonstrate academic achievement and academic acumen throughout your essay.

  • For the Make a Difference scholarship, must have a GPA of 2.0 or above

    • Must demonstrate your community or volunteer involvement and your contributions or cultural expression incorporated into your every life. 

Trade/Vocational Education/Community College/University Students/Non-Traditional Students:

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time student , as defined by your educational program, for the current semester.

  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

  • If your educational institution does not employ a GPA-based grading system, provide sufficient evidence demonstrating exceptional academic performance. 

  • A non-traditional student is defined as someone who may not have matriculated to an institution of higher education right after high school, or encountered issues that didn’t lead them to higher education graduation. Non-traditional students are eligible for this scholarship even if they are a part-time student.

Graduate Students:

  • Must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student, as defined by the graduate program, for the current semester. 

  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

  • If your educational institution does not employ a GPA-based grading system, provide sufficient evidence demonstrating exceptional academic performance.

Helpful Hints:

  • If you are having trouble submitting documents as a PDF, you can go to: https://tools.pdf24.org/en/

  • Check to see if your computer system has a “Print to PDF” option. 

  • Make sure you have a peer, educator, or family member review your essay before you submit your application.

  • Please contact Travis L. Lane for additional questions: (480) 628-3300.


Applications must be received by the deadline of January 16, 2026.

Submit applications through the AIEA website at www.azindianed.org/scholarship

Application Checklist: (Incomplete applications will not be considered)

  • Complete Application Form = 10 points

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation = 20 points (missing a letter of recommendation disqualifies you as an applicant)

  • Essay (2 pages double-spaced, 12-point font) = 50 points

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae = 15 points

  • Optional Artistic Expression Piece = extra 5 points

Total Points: 100 Points

Finalists Documentation Requirements:

  • Copy of Proof of Tribal Enrollment from a federally-recognized tribal nation 

  • Copy of Recent School Transcripts (official or unofficial)

  • Trade/Vocational Education/Community College/College/University/Non-Traditional Students: Copy of Enrollment Verification from college/university office