Indigenous Students' Tuition and Fees Grant Program

Funder: Combination of federal, state, and institutional grants at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Program Status: Active. Launched fall semester 2022 (article dated May 6, 2022)

Award Purpose: To cover 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Indigenous students, removing financial barriers to higher education

Award Details:

• Covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees
• Available for eligible students whose costs aren't covered by other federal or state grants
• Covers coursework toward badges, certificates, or first bachelor's degree (up to 125 credits)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Colorado resident
• Must be enrolled with one of the 574 federally recognized Indigenous nations
• Must register for at least one credit toward:
  • Badge (micro-credential)
  • Certificate program
  • First bachelor's degree (up to 125 credits)
• Citizenship/immigration status: No restrictions mentioned

Geographic Scope: Colorado residents only (due to Colorado legislative requirement)

Legislative Basis: Builds upon Colorado legislative bill passed in 2021 (HB22-1393 mentioned) requiring state higher-education institutions to offer in-state tuition classification to Native students who are members of Indigenous nations with historical ties to Colorado

Background Context:

• Addresses significant disparities in higher education attainment among Indigenous populations:
  • 14.5% of American Indian and Alaska Native population has completed bachelor's degree or higher (vs. 31.3% overall population)
  • National six-year graduation rates: 41% Indigenous vs. 62% overall
• 72% of Indigenous people live in urban or suburban areas, making MSU Denver well-positioned to serve this population

Part of Broader MSU Denver Commitment:

• Builds on Roadrunner Promise program
• Related to Displaced Aurarians scholarship
• Longstanding advocacy for Dreamer students
• Mission to offset "almost 400-year history of American higher-education system built to serve the privileged few"

Institutional Support:

• University working with Indigenous leaders including Cheyenne and Arapaho nation elders
• David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Ph.D., professor of Political Science, leads Native American Studies program
• MSU Denver's Native and Indigenous Student Alliance provides community support

Similar Programs: Programs exist at Fort Lewis College and University of Minnesota-Morris, but MSU Denver's program is noted as rare in its widespread scope and support

Application Process

Note: Specific application procedures not detailed in source material. Based on the program structure:

1. Eligibility Verification:
   • Verify Colorado residency
   • Provide documentation of enrollment with federally recognized Indigenous nation
   • Confirm federal recognition status (574 federally recognized nations)
2. Program Registration:
   • Register with MSU Denver for at least one credit toward badge, certificate, or bachelor's degree program
   • Indicate intention to apply for Indigenous Students' Tuition and Fees Grant
3. Application Submission (presumed):
   • Submit to MSU Denver Student Financial Services or designated office
   • Provide proof of Indigenous nation enrollment
   • Provide proof of Colorado residency
   • Documentation of other financial aid (to determine remaining costs covered)
4. Award Determination:
   • University calculates tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other federal or state grants
   • Award granted for remaining costs up to 100%

Required Documentation:

• Proof of enrollment with federally recognized Indigenous nation
• Colorado residency documentation
• FAFSA or financial aid information
• Proof of course registration (at least one credit)

Contact for Application Details: MSU Denver Student Financial Services or Office of Student Affairs